Ultrasound-assisted self-metathesis reactions of monounsaturated fatty acids

An efficient protocol for the self-metathesis of oleic acid, using ruthenium catalysts is described. The self-metathesis reaction under ultrasonic activation allows the conversion of monoenic fatty acids such as oleic acid, elaidic acid and erucic acid into diacids and olefins with very short reaction times in the presence of Grubbs ruthenium catalysts. These yields and selectivity towards the desired products are influenced by the nature of solvents. This study demonstrated that metathesis reaction carried out in DCM or 1-butanol showed promising results, since it produced a variety of products, like n-alkenes and diacids with good yields (45–75%) and high selectivities (75–95%).