THE APPLICATION OF THE ARNDT–EISTERT REACTION TO THE SYNTHESIS OF FATTY ACIDS OF HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT

Abstract

The Arndt–Eistert reaction offers a convenient method for the synthesis of the higher members of the aliphatic carboxylic acid series. Nonadecanoic acid, eicosanoic acid, and heneicosanoic acid have been prepared successively from stearic acid in good yields. An efficient method of purification of the synthetic products is described. The ultraviolet absorption maxima for some diazoketones derived from the higher members of the aliphatic carboxylic acid series are recorded.