Fine Chemicals and New Hybrid Materials From Cardanol

Cardanol, a low-cost largely available renewable material obtained from distillation of CNSL (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid), has been used for the preparation of fine chemicals and hybrid materials. The long chain attached to the meta position of the phenolic ring of cardanol makes this compound a unique natural source because it confers to all derivatives, particular properties (good solubility, good processability, interesting physical properties and so on). New fine chemicals as well as new cardanol hybrid materials combined with porphyrins, phthalocyanines and fullerenes have been synthesized recently, developing at the same time new synthetic strategies for the preparation of new eco-friendly fine chemicals, composites and functional organic materials. The aim of this review is also to show that the chemistry of cardanol is becoming a stimulating area in academic and industrial research.