Functionalized value-added products via metathesis of methyloleate over methyltrioxorhenium supported on ZnCl2-promoted mesoporous alumina

► Highly active 3%MTO/ZnCl2-Al2O3-meso catalyst for methyloleate self-metathesis. ► This catalyst reached high selectivity of 87% for total metathesis products. ► The MTO loading effect was significant on the catalyst activity. ► This loading was optimum at 3% for methyoleate metathesis conversion. ► This catalyst reached unprecedented TON = 3000 higher than that of Re2O7-based catalysts.