| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for synthesizing aliphatic olefin derivatives. In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) contacting an unsaturated olefin with an ester of an unsaturated fatty acid in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesis product, and b) converting the metathesis product to a fat olefin derivatives. In certain embodiments, the metathesis catalyst is a tungsten catalyst or a molybdenum catalyst. In various embodiments, the aliphatic olefin derivative is an insect pheromone. Also included are pheromone compositions and methods of their use. |