Neo acids: Synthetic highly branched organic acids

Neo acids are highly branched synthetic trialkyl acetic acids manufactured by reacting an olefin with high purity carbon monoxide under high pressure in the presence of an acidic-type catalyst. The starting olefins for neopentanoic (C₅, single isomer) and neodecanoic (C₁₀, mixed isomers) acids are isobutylene and nonene, respectively. Commercial quantities of both products have been available since 1964. Neopentanoic acid is used in the preparation of t-butyl peroxy neopentanote (pivilate), a peroxyester initiator used in polyethylene manufacture. The C₅ neo acid also finds use in a variety of other industrial end uses, e.g., pharmaceutical, agricultural chemicals, and reaction of form hindered, very stable esters. Metal salts of neodecanoic acid are used in paint driers, PVC stabilizers, and peroxyester initiators. Other reactions such as esterification, amide formation, and reaction with ethylene oxide will be discussed.