Method for the development of .delta.-lactones and hydroxy acids from unsaturated fatty acids and their glycerides
US5849935A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC07C51/09
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved process for the production of high yields of .delta.-lactones and 5-hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids which are free or esterified with glycerol is disclosed. The .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting one or more .DELTA..sup.5 or .DELTA..sup.6 unsaturated fatty acids in the presence of an acid, clay or zeolite catalyst. Alternatively, the .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting one or more triglycerides which are esters of glycerol with .DELTA..sup.5 or .DELTA..sup.6 unsaturated fatty acids with the same catalysts. Because the .delta.-lactones may be produced from the triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids, the process may be practiced using naturally occurring plant oils directly, without the need for any preliminary steps of saponification. Optionally, the .delta.-lactones so formed may be further reacted with an alkali in an aqueous solution to produce 5-hydroxy fatty acids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.