The methods of preparation of highly purified erucic acid and its esters have been studied. Catalytic oxidation of the pure acid and of methyl and n-propyl erucate a t various temperatures has been investigated, and the nature of the complex changes occurring studied. The oxidations a t high temperatures result in rapid hydroperoxide decomposition followed by some dimerisation, and there is evidence that a t moderate temperatures the mechanism may follow a different course, as in the case of other monoethenoid fatty acids, The composition of the oxidation products varies considerably with conditions of oxidation and, in oxidations of the esters, the presence of the terminal alkyl group apparently has considerable influence, not only on the rate of entry of the oxygen, but also on that of decomposition of the hydroperoxides.
The products of catalytic autoxidation of highly purified erucic acid and its methyl and propyl esters have been investigated. Saponification of the oxidized esters gives acidic dimeric compounds which eventually break down to mixtures containing keto‐hydroxy, unsaturated ketonic, and epoxy derivatives in addition to 13: 14‐dihydroxybehenic acid.
The characteristic oily resinous derivatives invariably found in the oxidation products contain carbonyl groups.
Some possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.
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