Provided are modified natural compounds that are produced, at least in part, from (A) at least one epoxidized and/or maleated natural fatty acid, or epoxidized and/or maleated natural oil, and (B) at least one lactam having at least one hydroxyl functional group, wherein the lactam may be in a blend with one or more optional alcohol(s). Among other properties, the modified natural compounds may exhibit dispersibility or solubility characteristics in water and/or alcohols. The invention further provides a wide variety of compositions comprising the modified natural compounds. ##STR00001##

Provided are modified natural compounds that are produced, at least in part, from (A) at least one epoxidized and/or maleated natural fatty acid, or epoxidized and/or maleated natural oil, and (B) at least one lactam having at least one hydroxyl functional group, wherein the lactam may be in a blend with one or more optional alcohol(s). Among other properties, the modified natural compounds may exhibit dispersibility or solubility characteristics in water and/or alcohols. The invention further provides a wide variety of compositions comprising the modified natural compounds. ##STR00001##

The invention relates to methods for the synthesis of hydroxy fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids via epoxidation and catalytic hydrogenation.

An invert oil-based mud (OBM) may include an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous internal phase, and an emulsifier. The emulsifier may include one or more of the group consisting of epoxidized methyl oleate, epoxidized methyl linoleate, and epoxidized methyl α-linolenate. The invert OBM may contain the emulsifier in an amount of the range of 0.1 to 10 wt. % (weight percent), relative to the total weight of the OBM.

An invert oil-based mud (OBM) may include an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous internal phase, and an emulsifier. The emulsifier may include one or more of the group consisting of epoxidized methyl oleate, epoxidized methyl linoleate, and epoxidized methyl α-linolenate. The invert OBM may contain the emulsifier in an amount of the range of 0.1 to 10 wt. % (weight percent), relative to the total weight of the OBM.

Provided is a plasticizer composition, comprising: a cyclohexane-1,4-diester-based substance of the following Chemical Formula 1; an epoxidized alkyl ester composition comprising one or more compounds of the following Chemical Formula 2; and a citrate-based substance of the following Chemical Formula 3: ##STR00001## wherein in Chemical Formula 1 to Chemical Formula 3; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently are a C8 alkyl group; R.sub.3 is a C8 to C20 alkyl group comprising one or more epoxy groups; and R.sub.4 to R.sub.7 each independently are a C4 to C10 alkyl group.

Provided is a plasticizer composition, comprising: a cyclohexane-1,4-diester-based substance of the following Chemical Formula 1; an epoxidized alkyl ester composition comprising one or more compounds of the following Chemical Formula 2; and a citrate-based substance of the following Chemical Formula 3: ##STR00001## wherein in Chemical Formula 1 to Chemical Formula 3; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each independently are a C8 alkyl group; R.sub.3 is a C8 to C20 alkyl group comprising one or more epoxy groups; and R.sub.4 to R.sub.7 each independently are a C4 to C10 alkyl group.

This disclosure concerns fatty acid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives, and methods of using the fatty acid derivatives, for example, to treat inflammation, chronic itch, chronic pain, an autoimmune disorder, atherosclerosis, a skin disorder, arthritis, a neurodegenerative disorder, or a psychiatric disorder in a subject. In some embodiments, the fatty acid derivative is a compound, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having a structure according to: ##STR00001##
wherein X is from 1-16 carbons in length, Z is aliphatic from 1-16 carbons in length, or is not present, Y is selected from: ##STR00002##
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, R.sup.4 is lower alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine, R.sup.5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or halide, R.sup.6 is hydroxyl or substituted thiol, and each R.sup.7 is independently hydrogen or fluoride or is not present and the adjacent carbons form alkyne.

This disclosure concerns fatty acid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fatty acid derivatives, and methods of using the fatty acid derivatives, for example, to treat inflammation, chronic itch, chronic pain, an autoimmune disorder, atherosclerosis, a skin disorder, arthritis, a neurodegenerative disorder, or a psychiatric disorder in a subject. In some embodiments, the fatty acid derivative is a compound, or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, having a structure according to: ##STR00001##
wherein X is from 1-16 carbons in length, Z is aliphatic from 1-16 carbons in length, or is not present, Y is selected from: ##STR00002##
R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen or lower alkyl, R.sup.4 is lower alkyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine, R.sup.5 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, or halide, R.sup.6 is hydroxyl or substituted thiol, and each R.sup.7 is independently hydrogen or fluoride or is not present and the adjacent carbons form alkyne.

An invert oil-based mud (OBM) may include an oleaginous continuous phase, an aqueous internal phase, and an emulsifier. The emulsifier may include one or more of the group consisting of epoxidized methyl oleate, epoxidized methyl linoleate, and epoxidized methyl α-linolenate. The invert OBM may contain the emulsifier in an amount of the range of 0.1 to 10 wt. % (weight percent), relative to the total weight of the OBM.