Thermal and catalytic oligomerisation of fatty acids

Thermal and catalytic oligomerisation of technical grade linoleic acid was investigated under argon atmosphere at 280 degrees C. The most efficient catalyst was H-MCM-41 followed by H-Beta 75. Several types of products, such as cyclic and aromatic compounds were formed indicating a complex reaction network for catalytic oligomerisation of fatty acids. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.