Trash to treasure – Researchers at the University of California-Berkeley have found a way to convert an unwanted by-product of biodiesel to a usable form. The procedure uses formic acid to change glycerol from biofuel waste to allyl alcohol, which is used as a starting material in many products made from petroleum. This solution could decrease our dependence on petroleum, creating an alternative method of producing petroleum based products such as polymers, organic compounds, pesticides, etc.

http://newscenter.lbl.gov/feature-stories/2009/06/11/replacing-petros-with-biomass/

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616144533.htm