Provided herein are compounds of the formula: ##STR00001##
in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R.sub.1, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein compositions comprising the compounds are characterized by particular combinations of values for estolide number, kinematic viscosity, and pour point. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.

Provided herein are compounds of the formula: ##STR00001##
in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R.sub.1, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein compositions comprising the compounds are characterized by particular combinations of values for estolide number, kinematic viscosity, and pour point. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.

The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, compositions containing same, and methods of use.

Provided is a production method whereby corresponding carboxylic acid anhydrides and carboxylic acid esters can be obtained at high yield from various carboxylic acids even without a solvent and near room temperature. A method for producing a carboxylic acid anhydride represented by formula (II), the method comprising reacting a compound represented by formula (I) and a carboxylic acid in the presence of a Group II metal compound having an ionic ligand containing an oxygen atom. A method for producing a carboxylic acid ester, the method comprising reacting a carboxylic acid anhydride produced by the aforementioned method and an alcohol. In formula (I), R.sup.1 represents a C.sub.1-20 hydrocarbon group. In formula (II), R.sup.2 represents a C.sub.1-20 hydrocarbon group.

A method of making 2-octyl acrylate comprising reacting 2-octanol with acrylic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst and added water is described. The 2-octanol may be derived from renewable resources, such as castor oil. The method is efficient and provides selectivity for 2-octyl acrylate.

A method of making 2-octyl acrylate comprising reacting 2-octanol with acrylic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst and added water is described. The 2-octanol may be derived from renewable resources, such as castor oil. The method is efficient and provides selectivity for 2-octyl acrylate.

The present invention relates to a process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comprising transesterifying triacylglycerols in extracted plant lipid.

The present invention relates to extracted plant lipid, comprising fatty acids in an esterified form.

The present invention relates to a process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comprising transesterifying triacylglycerols in extracted plant lipid.

The present invention relates to a process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comprising transesterifying triacylglycerols in extracted plant lipid.