Catalytic Isomerizing ω-Functionalization of Fatty Acids

Isomerizing functionalization reactions that convert the internal double bonds of unsaturated fatty acids from plant or algae oils to a terminal functional group are attractive because they can generate linear long-chain alpha,omega-difunctional compounds that incorporate the entire length of the substrates chain. The state of the art toward this formidable synthetic challenge via different catalytic approaches, namely isomerizing borylations, silylations, and carbonylations (and for comparison, olefin metathesis) is reviewed comprehensively and analyzed with regard to underlying mechanistic principles, performance, practicability, and scope.