Catalyzed synthesis of aryl-substituted fatty acids and fatty esters and compositions related thereto

A novel method for preparing an aryl-substituted fatty acid or fatty ester is disclosed. According to the method, an olefinic composition selected from among mono-unsaturated fatty acids, mono-unsaturated fatty esters and mixtures thereof is introduced to a reaction zone comprising a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon and a catalytic amount of a clay catalyst to produce a reaction that is allowed to proceed for a time and at a temperature sufficient to produce a reaction product comprising a desired yield of aryl-substituted fatty acid or fatty ester. Preferably, the introduction of the olefinic composition is conducted slowly, such as over a period of one to four, more preferably, two to four, hours. Related methods and compositions, including xylylstearic acid, are also disclosed.