Abstract
Metathesis of unsaturated fatty acid esters (FAEs) by silica supported multifunctional W-based catalyst is disclosed. This transformation represents a novel route towards unsaturated di-esters. Especially, the self-metathesis of ethyl undecylenate results almost exclusively on the homo-coupling product whereas with such catalyst, 1-decene gives ISOMET (olefinisomerization and metathesis) products. The olefin metathesis in the presence of esters is very selective without any secondary cross-metathesis products demonstrating that a high selective olefin metathesis could operate at 150 degrees C. Additionally, a cross-metathesis of unsaturated FAEs and alpha-olefins allowed the synthesis of the corresponding ester with longer hydrocarbon skeleton without isomerisation. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.