Homogeneous catalytic metathesis of unsaturated fatty esters: New synthetic method for preparation of unsaturated mono-and dicarboxylic acids

The catalytic metathesis of unsaturated fatty esters is a new, versatile method for the synthesis of a variety of fatty derivatives and alkenes. Monounsaturated esters are converted into unsaturated dicarboxylic esters which might be important technologically for the production of new polyesters and polyamides, and for the synthesis of civetone-type perfumes. Metathesis of linoleate and linolenate leads to a variety of hydrocarbons and mono- and dicarboxylates of different unsaturation. Joint reactions of unsaturated esters and alkenes are a useful means for the synthesis of homologues of oleic acid and other fatty acids. Metathesis of unsaturated fatty oils (olive, soybean, linseed, etc.) leads to the formation of high molecular dicarboxylic acid glyceryl esters with improved drying properties.