Patent attributes
A cross-metathesis process for preparing an α,ω-functionalized olefin, such as methyl 9-decenoate, and an α-olefin having three or more carbon atoms, such as 1-decene. The process involves contacting in a first reaction zone an α-functionalized internal olefin, such as methyl oleate, and an α-olefinic monomer having three or more carbon atoms, such as 1-decene, with a first metathesis catalyst to prepare an effluent stream containing the α,ω-functionalized olefin, such as methyl 9-decenoate, an unfunctionalized internal olefin, such as 9-octadecene, unconverted reactant olefins, and optionally, an α,ω-difunctionalized internal olefinic dimer, such as dimethyl 9-octadecen-1,18-dioate; separating said effluent streams; then contacting in a second reaction zone the unfunctionalized internal olefin with ethylene in the presence of a second metathesis catalyst to obtain a second product effluent containing the α-olefinic monomer having three or more carbon atoms; and cycling a portion of the α-olefinic monomer stream(s) to the first zone.
