| abstract |
A process is disclosed for preparing α-branched aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with 12 to 48 carbon atoms. In a first step of the process (a), α-branched aliphatic monohydric alcohols (Guerbet alcohols) are converted in the presence of caustic alkali into the alkali salts of the corresponding α-branched aliphatic monocarboxylic acids. In a second step of the process (b), the α-branched aliphatic monocarboxylic acids are released from the alkali salts by soap splitting in the presence of an inert diluting agent. |