Abstract: Processes for forming low molecular weight (C2-4) olefins from renewable resources, and polyolefins formed from the olefins, are disclosed. The C2-4 olefins are produced by first converting a renewable resource, capable of being converted to syngas, to syngas. The syngas is converted, using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using a catalyst with low chain growth probabilities, to a composition comprising C2-4 olefins, which are then isolated to form a C2-4 olefin-rich stream. Propylene can be isolated from this stream, and the ethylene and butylene can be subjected to olefin metathesis to produce additional propylene. The propylene, or other olefins, can be subjected to a variety of polymerization conditions and used in a variety of products, to replace the propylene, and polypropylene, produced from crude oil. Thus, the olefins, and polymers, copolymer and terpolymers thereof, can help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign crude oil.

Abstract: Alternative fuel compositions, blends of the alternative fuel compositions and gasoline, and methods for their preparation and use are disclosed. The alternative fuel compositions ideally include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and one or more of sec-butanol and t-butanol, and ideally include no more than 3% methanol, and no more than 15% C5 or higher alcohols. The fuel compositions can be prepared using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to convert syngas to a product stream comprising C2-4 olefins, and hydrolyzing these olefins. The process facilitates isolation of C2-4 alkanes, because the boiling point difference of these alkanes is significantly lower than that of the C2-4 alcohols. Ideally, the compositions provide more energy per unit volume than E85, even without the addition of gasoline, although the compositions can be blended with gasoline in any desired ratio.

Abstract: Alternative gasoline, diesel fuel, marine diesel fuel, jet fuel, and flexible fuel compositions are disclosed. The compositions include an alcohol and/or a glycerol ether or mixture of glycerol ethers, which can be derived from renewable resources. When combined with gasoline/ethanol blends, the glycerol ethers can reduce the vapor pressure of the ethanol and increasing the fuel economy. When added to diesel fuel/alcohol blends, glycerol ethers improve the cetane value of the blends. All or part of the diesel fuel in the compositions described herein can be biodiesel fuel and/or synthetic fuel derived from a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process. Fischer-Tropsch synthesis can also use feedstocks derived from sources other than crude oil, such as methane, methanol, ethanol, lignin and glycerol, which can further reduce reliance on foreign sources of crude oil.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for forming hydrocarbon products from triglycerides are disclosed. In one aspect, the methods involve the thermal decomposition of fatty acids, which can be derived from the hydrolysis of triglycerides. The thermal decomposition products can be combined with low molecular weight olefins, such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, and subjected to molecular averaging reactions. Alternatively, the products can be subjected to hydrocracking reactions, isomerization reactions, and the like. The products can be isolated in the gasoline, jet and/or diesel fuel ranges. Thus, vegetable oils and/or animal fats can be converted using water, catalysts, and heat, into conventional products in the gasoline, jet and/or diesel fuel ranges.