Preparation of deuterium-labelled methyl linoleate and its geometric isomers from natural seed oils

Multi-gram quantities of deuterium-labelled methyl linoleate (methyl cis-9,cis-12-octadecadienoate) and its geometric isomers are readily synthesized fromCrépis alpina (70–80% cis-9-octadecen-12-ynoic acid) andVernonia galamensis (70–80% 12,13-epoxy-cis-9-octadecenoic acid) seed oils. Methylcis- 9,cis- 12- andtrans- 9,cis- – octadecadienoate-12,13-d₂ were prepared by the Lindlar-catalyzed reduction (with D₂ gas) of methylcis- 9- and trans-9-octadecen-12-ynoates, respectively. Methyltrans- 9- octadecen-12-ynoate was synthesized by thep-toluene-sulfinic acid-catalyzed isomerization of the corresponding cis isomer. Methylcis- 9fiis- 12., trans- 9fiis- 12;cis- 9,trans- 12- andtrans- 9, frans-12-octadecadienoate-d₂, d₄ and d₆ were prepared by the Wittig coupling (with stereochemical control) of the appropriate d₂-, d₄- or de-alkyltriphenyl-phosphonium salt with methyl 12-oxo-cis-9- ortrans- 9- dodecenoate (prepared by the para-periodic acid cleavage of methyl 12,13-dihydroxy-cis-9- or trans-9-octadecenoate). Thecis dihydroxy ester was synthesized fromVernonia galamensis seed oil by acetolysis, saponification and then esterification. Thecis dihydroxy ester was isomerized by nitric acid/sodium nitrite to thetrans form and purified by silver resin chromatography. Isotopic purities ranged from 88% (for the d₆ isomers) to 99% (for the d₂ isomers). The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended over other firms or similar products not mentioned.