| abstract |
Processes for producing long chain ethers from long chain secondary alcohols using fatty acid containing feedstocks. In an embodiment, a long chain secondary alcohol may be reacted with a primary alcohol, a secondary alcohol, or an olefin to form a long chain ether. In another embodiment, a long chain secondary alcohol or the corresponding alkoxide may be reacted with an alkyl halide to form a long chain ether. In yet a further embodiment, a long chain secondary alcohol may be converted to a halide, and the halide may be reacted with a second alcohol or the corresponding alkoxide to form a long chain ether. Long chain ether compositions of matter are also disclosed. |