Synthetic Transformations for the Valorization of Fatty Acid Derivatives

Oleochemistry is a growing field from an industrial point of view, and it is fundamental to more sustainable chemical production that is less dependent on fossil sources. From this point of view, the development of selective and efficient synthetic transformations of triglycerides and fatty acids and esters is an active research field. This short review describes an overview of the most recent advances in the synthetic transformations of fatty acid derivatives into valuable chemicals. 1 Introduction 2 Reactions On the Ester Group of Fatty Acids and Esters 2.1 Synthesis of Free Carboxylic Acids 2.2 Synthesis of Carboxylic Esters 2.3 Reduction to Alcohols, Ethers, and Aldehydes 2.4 Synthesis of Nitrogenated Derivatives 3 Oxidation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Esters 3.1 Epoxidation and Reactions of Epoxides 3.2 Allylic Oxidation and Wacker Oxidation 3.3 Oxidative Cleavage 4 Addition Reactions of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Esters 4.1 Hydrogenation and Hydroformylation 4.2 Cycloadditions and Related Reactions 4.3 Addition of Carboxylic Acids 4.4 Hydroalkylation 4.5 Thiol Radical Additions 5 Other Reactions of Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Esters 5.1 Cross-Metathesis 5.2 Isomerization 6 Conclusion and Outlook