A process for the conversion of a feedstock containing one or more fatty acid triglycerides to a mixture containing one or more fatty acid alkyl esters and t-alkyl glycerols, including reacting the feedstock with a compound of formula (I):
ROR.sup.I(I) wherein: R.sup.I is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having 1-18 carbon atoms; R is H or a tertiary alkyl group, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an acid transesterification catalyst by irradiation with microwaves and/or ultrasound and/or radio waves.

A process for the conversion of a feedstock containing one or more fatty acid triglycerides to a mixture containing one or more fatty acid alkyl esters and t-alkyl glycerols, including reacting the feedstock with a compound of formula (I):
ROR.sup.I(I) wherein: R.sup.I is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having 1-18 carbon atoms; R is H or a tertiary alkyl group, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an acid transesterification catalyst by irradiation with microwaves and/or ultrasound and/or radio waves.

A process for the conversion of a feedstock containing one or more fatty acid triglycerides to a mixture containing one or more fatty acid alkyl esters and t-alkyl glycerols, including reacting the feedstock with a compound of formula (I):
ROR.sup.I(I) wherein: R.sup.I is an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl having 1-18 carbon atoms; R is H or a tertiary alkyl group, wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of an acid transesterification catalyst by irradiation with microwaves and/or ultrasound and/or radio waves.

This invention relates to bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids reacted with vinyl ether compounds to form liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids. These liquid vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids can be mixed with a polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin to form a homogeneous curable coating composition. Upon curing at elevated temperature, thermoset coatings are formed which have excellent hardness, solvent resistance, adhesion, and flexibility. The invention also relates to the use of a curable coating composition comprising at least one polyfunctional vegetable oil-based epoxy resin and at least one vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acid, which may be coated onto a substrate and cured thermally. Methods of making the vinyl-blocked bio-based polyfunctional carboxylic acids and curable coating compositions and substrates containing the same are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of an unsaturated fatty acid, particularly a carbon chain extension reaction. According to the present invention, a method for extending the length of a carbon chain in an unsaturated fatty acid by two carbon atoms is provided, said method comprising a step of heating a malonic acid ester derivative of an unsaturated fatty acid to reflux in a lower fatty acid solution in the presence of an antioxidative agent. It is preferred that the unsaturated fatty acid is an unsaturated fatty acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms. It is preferred that the unsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, stearidonic acid, icosatetraenoic acid, icosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. According to the method of the present invention, a carbon chain extension reaction can be completed within a shorter time.

The present invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of an unsaturated fatty acid, particularly a carbon chain extension reaction. According to the present invention, a method for extending the length of a carbon chain in an unsaturated fatty acid by two carbon atoms is provided, said method comprising a step of heating a malonic acid ester derivative of an unsaturated fatty acid to reflux in a lower fatty acid solution in the presence of an antioxidative agent. It is preferred that the unsaturated fatty acid is an unsaturated fatty acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms. It is preferred that the unsaturated fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, stearidonic acid, icosatetraenoic acid, icosapentaenoic acid, tetracosahexaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. According to the method of the present invention, a carbon chain extension reaction can be completed within a shorter time.

A method for preparing a methyl ester compound is provided, including: subjecting a raw material of a carboxyl compound, methanol and/or dimethyl ether to an esterification reaction to obtain the methyl ester compound, where the general formula I of the carboxyl compound is RCH.sub.2COOH, where R is a methoxy or hydroxyl; and the methyl ester compound comprises at least one of methyl methoxyacetate and methyl glycolate. This application also discloses a method for preparing a methyl glycolate, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting methylal and carbon monoxide to a carbonylation reaction to obtain methyl methoxyacetate; b) subjecting the methyl methoxyacetate and water to a hydrolysis reaction to obtain the methyl glycolate; and c) subjecting glycolic acid, methoxyacetic acid, methanol, and dimethyl ether to an esterification reaction to obtain the methyl glycolate.

A method for preparing a methyl ester compound is provided, including: subjecting a raw material of a carboxyl compound, methanol and/or dimethyl ether to an esterification reaction to obtain the methyl ester compound, where the general formula I of the carboxyl compound is RCH.sub.2COOH, where R is a methoxy or hydroxyl; and the methyl ester compound comprises at least one of methyl methoxyacetate and methyl glycolate. This application also discloses a method for preparing a methyl glycolate, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting methylal and carbon monoxide to a carbonylation reaction to obtain methyl methoxyacetate; b) subjecting the methyl methoxyacetate and water to a hydrolysis reaction to obtain the methyl glycolate; and c) subjecting glycolic acid, methoxyacetic acid, methanol, and dimethyl ether to an esterification reaction to obtain the methyl glycolate.

Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.

Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.