Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the synthesis of hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids via epoxidation and catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: A branched estolide compound of the formula: wherein x and y are equal to 1 or greater; wherein x+y=14; wherein n is 0, 1, or greater than 1; wherein R is H or wherein R=C1 to C18 straight alcohols or C4 to C12 branched alcohols; wherein R1 is a residual fragment of octanoic, decanoic, lauric, coconut, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, iso-stearic or iso-oleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the synthesis of hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids via epoxidation and catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing at least one of the following: (1) estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (2) hydroxy derived estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (3) unsaturated hydroxy derived estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (4) estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (5) hydroxy derived estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (6) unsaturated hydroxy derived estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (7) estolide epoxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (8) estolide dihydroxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (9) mono-capped hydroxy derived estolide epoxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (10) mono-capped hydroxy derived estolide dihydroxide polyethylene glycol diesters; and mixtures thereof; and optionally a carrier. All the compounds can be used as a viscosity index improver thereby improving a lubricant's performance.

Abstract: A branched estolide compound of the formula: wherein x and y are equal to 1 or greater; wherein x+y=14; wherein n is 0, 1, or greater than 1; wherein R is H or wherein R=C1 to C18 straight alcohols or C4 to C12 branched alcohols; wherein R1 is a residual fragment of octanoic, decanoic, lauric, coconut, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, iso-stearic or iso-oleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions containing at least one of the following: (1) estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (2) hydroxy derived estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (3) unsaturated hydroxy derived estolide polyethylene glycol diesters; (4) estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (5) hydroxy derived estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (6) unsaturated hydroxy derived estolide trimetholpropane diesters; (7) estolide epoxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (8) estolide dihydroxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (9) mono-capped hydroxy derived estolide epoxide polyethylene glycol diesters; (10) mono-capped hydroxy derived estolide dihydroxide polyethylene glycol diesters; and mixtures thereof; and optionally a carrier. All the compounds can be used as a viscosity index improver thereby improving a lubricant's performance.

Abstract: Methods for repelling or killing insects, said method comprising treating an object or area with a composition comprising an insects repelling or killing effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a C8 or C9 or C10 or C11 or C12 or C13 straight or branched chain free fatty acid, methyl ester or ethyl ester or propyl ester or isopropyl ester or 2-ethyl hexyl ester of said acid, salts of said acid, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier. The term “insects” as used herein includes non-insects such as ticks, mites, spiders, centipedes, scorpions, chiggers, and solifugids.

Abstract: Levulinic-capped estolides having improved physical properties that make them more desirable and suitable as bio-based industrial or commercial products are disclosed. The physical properties of the disclosed estolide compositions have surprisingly low pour points that are substantially lower than previously known estolide compounds and superior to petroleum-based compounds designed for similar applications.

Abstract: Methods for repelling or killing insects, said method comprising treating an object or area with a composition comprising an insects repelling or killing effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a C8 or C9 or C10 or C11 or C12 or C13 straight or branched chain free fatty acid, methyl ester or ethyl ester or propyl ester or isopropyl ester or 2-ethyl hexyl ester of said acid, salts of said acid, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier. The term “insects” as used herein includes non-insects such as ticks, mites, spiders, centipedes, scorpions, chiggers, and solifugids.

Abstract: Levulinic-capped estolides having improved physical properties that make them more desirable and suitable as bio-based industrial or commercial products are disclosed. The physical properties of the disclosed estolide compositions have surprisingly low pour points that are substantially lower than previously known estolide compounds and superior to petroleum-based compounds designed for similar applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the conversion of estolide compounds having unsaturated fatty acid groups into estolides containing cyclic carbonate moieties and methods of making and using the same. The estolides containing a cyclic carbonate may be used to produce urethane containing estolides.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the conversion of estolide compounds having unsaturated fatty acid groups into estolides containing cyclic carbonate moieties and methods of making and using the same. The estolides containing a cyclic carbonate may be used to produce urethane containing estolides.

Abstract: Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.

Abstract: Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.

Abstract: Esters of estolides derived from oleic acids and C-6 to C-14 saturated fatty acids are characterized by superior properties for use as lubricant base stocks. These estolides may also be used as lubricants without the need for fortifying additives normally required to improve the lubricating properties of base stocks.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of high yields of .delta.-lactones and 5-hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid is disclosed. The .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting one or more .DELTA..sup.9 to .DELTA..sup.15 unsaturated fatty acids in the presence of an acid catalyst and at a temperature between about 20 to 70.degree. C. Moreover, yields of the .delta.-lactones may be increased even further by reaction in the presence of dipolar, non-participating, non-aqueous solvents. The unsaturated fatty acids may be free or esterified with glycerol or other aliphatic alcohols, and the .delta.-lactones may be produced by reacting mono-, di- or triglycerides of the unsaturated fatty acids with the same catalysts. Because the .delta.-lactones may be produced from the triglycerides of unsaturated fatty acids, the instant process may be practiced using naturally occurring plant oils directly, without the need for any preliminary steps of saponification or steam splitting.