# From Olive Pomace to Squalane: A Green Chemistry Route Using 2‑Methyltetrahydrofuran

## TL;DR

This paper presents a green chemistry method to extract and convert squalene from olive pomace into squalane using 2-methyltetrahydrofuran.

## Contribution

The study introduces 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as a greener solvent for squalene extraction and hydrogenation.

## Key findings

- 2-MeTHF achieved 83% squalene recovery from olive pomace.
- Squalene hydrogenation in 2-MeTHF occurred efficiently at lower temperatures and pressures.
- Purification challenges reduced squalane yield to 19.8% due to catalyst poisoning.

## Abstract

Squalene (SQE) is a key triterpene used in pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals
and cosmetics. Although olive pomace (OP) is a sustainable source
of SQE, conventional hexane extraction raises environmental and health
concerns. This study investigates the potential of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran
(2-MeTHF) as a greener alternative for SQE extraction and catalytic
hydrogenation to squalane (SQA); a high-value compound in industrial
applications. 2-MeTHF provided 83% SQE recovery from OP, which was
further concentrated in deodorizer distillates during refining. SQE
hydrogenation in 2-MeTHF significantly improved reaction efficiency
at lower temperatures (60 °C, 3 bar H2, 0.5 mol %
Pd/C), enabling full conversion within 1 h. This represents a major
advantage over conventional industrial hydrogenation, which requires
harsher conditions (200 °C, 4–30 bar H2) and
longer reaction times (6–7 h). In order to assess industrial
feasibility, SQE from OP deodorizer distillates (6.8 wt %) was concentrated
via saponification and molecular distillation (∼34 wt %), followed
by flash chromatography (59 wt % purity, 85% recovery). However, residual
impurities caused catalyst poisoning, lowering the SQA yield to 19.8%.
This study highlights 2-MeTHF’s potential for industrial-scale
SQE valorization via integrated extraction and hydrogenation. Future
efforts should focus on improving SQE purification from OP-DDs and
enhancing catalyst recyclability.