The chemistry of dibasic and polybasic fatty acids

Abstract

AbstractCurrent processes to produce dibasic and polybasic fatty acids including azelaic, sebacic, dodecanedioic, C21 diacid, fatty dimer and trimer acids are discussed. A number of alternative routes to produce azelaic, sebacic and fatty dimers are also discussed, includeding the preparation of azelaic and sebacic acids from butadiene and sebacic acid from adipic acid. Physical properties of the various dibasic acids are compared. Preparation of important derivatives and their applications is discussed, including: (a) esters and polyesters as vinyl plasticizers and as base stocks for synthetic lubricants; (b) polyamide resins in coatings, fibres, inks and adhesives; (c) salts as surfactants; and (d) amido amines and imidazolines as corrosion inhibitors. Dimer acids have found application in the petroleum industry as drilling mud thickeners in oil recovery.