Synthesis of the isofatty acid 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid and its triglyceride

Abstract

A new and more convenient synthesis of the isofatty acid 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid and its triglyceride is described here. This isofatty acid is prepared through elongation of the undecanoic acid chain with isobutyraldehyde according to Wittig by the reaction between bromo-undecanoic acid ethyl ester-triphenylphosphonium salt and sodium methoxide followed by the addition of isobutyraldehyde. Its triglyceride is formed by the esterification of the free isofatty acid with glycerin without catalyst. Its purity was over 99% after high refining over activated silica gel. Total yield was estimated to be 22,8%.

Keywords

• isofatty acid
• 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid (iso 15
• 0)
• isofatty acid 13- methyl-11cis-tetradecenoic acid (iso 15
• 1
• ω3 c)
• triglyceride of 13-methyl-tetradecanoic acid