SYNTHESIS OF NEW BRANCHED FATTY-ACIDS BY RHODIUM CATALYZED HOMOGENEOUS OLIGOMERIZATION

Branched fatty acids possess, compared to their linear homologues, unusual physical properties. They are used for many applications, for example in lubricants, cosmetics, as softener, defoamer and wood protecting agents. We describe a new homogeneous catalyzed method which allows to synthesize defined internal branched fatty acids in yields up to 95%. The reaction is carried out by a rhodium catalyzed addition of olefins to linoleic acid or conjugated C18:2 fatty acids.