Process for preparation of hexadecyl cis-9-tetradecenoate and hexadecyl cis-10-tetradecenoate

Hexadecyl cis-9-tetradecenoate commonly known as Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) is being used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint inflammatory diseases, cis-9- Tetradecenoic acid (cis-9-myristoleic acid) is the main precursor for the preparation of CMO. As there are limited natural plant sources for cis-9-tetradecenoic acid, the present invention aimed at the synthesis of cis-9-tetradecenoic acid methyl ester from oleic acid methyl ester. As oleic acid is not available in pure form, this has to be isolated from oleic acid-rich oils like olive oil. cis- 10-Tetradecenoic acid methyl ester, an isomer of cis-9-tetradecenoic acid was also prepared from undecenoic acid methyl ester, a derivative of castor oil. Undecenoic acid is easily available commercially in pure form.; Hexadecyl cis-9-tetradecenoateand hexadecyl c/s-10-tetradecenoate were prepared by enzymatic transesterification of cis-9-tetradecenoic acid methyl esterand cis-10- tetradecenoic acid methyl ester with 1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) resp