Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for synthesizing an internal ketone K1 by decarboxylative ketonization reaction of a fatty acid, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof in a liquid phase with a metal compound as catalyst in a reaction medium, said process being characterized in that a ketone K2 at liquid state, which is identical or similar to the ketone K1, is introduced into the reaction medium. The so-synthesized internal ketone K1 can be used for the preparation of a variety of end compounds, including surfactants having a twin-tail structure or a Gemini structure.

Abstract: Process P1 for the manufacture of a secondary fatty alcohol, said process P1 comprising synthesizing an internal ketone K1 by a process P0 comprising the decarboxylative ketonization reaction of a fatty acid or the like in a liquid phase with a metal compound as catalyst in a reaction medium, wherein a ketone K2 at liquid state, which is identical or similar to the internal ketone K1, is introduced into the reaction medium, and subjecting the internal ketone K1 to a hydrogenation reaction with hydrogen gas as hydrogenating agent to form the secondary fatty alcohol. Use of the secondary fatty alcohol manufactured by the process P1 for the manufacture of an internal olefin or of an internal olefin sulfonate.

Abstract: A compound of general formula (I) or (II), wherein Rn and Rm independently represent a C3-C27 aliphatic group, R1 to R4, which may be the same or different at each occurrence, represent hydrogen or a C1-C8 alkyl group, X1 and X2, which may be the same or different at each occurrence, represent a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon radical with 1 to 24 carbon atoms which can be optionally substituted and/or interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or heteroatom containing groups, and R5 and R6, which may be the same or different at each occurrence, represent a group selected from —O?, -Alk-CH(OH)—CH2—SO3— and -Alk-CO2— wherein Alk represents an alkylene group.

Abstract: Process (P) for the decarboxylative ketonization of fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid phase with metal compounds as catalyst wherein the fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives or mixtures thereof are added sequentially. Downstream chemistry can be realized starting from internal ketones obtained by process (P), especially in order to design and develop new surfactants.

Abstract: Method (M) for the preparation of an end compound from an internal ketone, said method comprising: —synthesizing the internal ketone by a process (P) for the decarboxylative ketonization of a fatty acid, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof in a liquid phase with a metal compound as catalyst in the substantial absence of added solvent, wherein the fatty acid, fatty acid derivative or mixture thereof is added in sequential steps, the first step taking place at a temperature sequentially at a temperature from 100° C. to 270° C., —causing the internal ketone to react in accordance with a single or multiple chemical reaction scheme involving at least one reagent other than the internal ketone, wherein at least one product of the chemical reaction scheme is the end compound that is not further caused to be chemically converted into another compound.

Abstract: A process for the decarboxylative ketonizationof fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid phase with metal compounds as catalyst wherein the fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives or mixtures thereof are added sequentially.