Production of fatty olefin derivatives via olefin metathesis

A method for synthesizing a fatty olefin derivative, the method comprising:

• a) contacting an olefin according to Formula I
• wherein
• R1 is C1-18 alkyl, and
• subscript z is an integer ranging from 0 to 17,
• with a metathesis reaction partner according to Formula IIb
• wherein
• R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-18 alkyl, and C2-18 alkenyl,
• R2b is C1-8 alkyl, and
• subscript y is an integer ranging from 0 to 17,
• in the presence of a metathesis catalyst to form a metathesis product according to Formula IIIb:
• and
• b) converting the metathesis product to the fatty olefin derivative;
• wherein the fatty olefin derivative is selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated fatty alcohol, an unsaturated fatty alcohol acetate, an unsaturated fatty aldehyde, and an unsaturated fatty acid ester;
• and
• wherein the metathesis catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a Z-selective tungsten metathesis catalyst, a Z-selective molybdenum metathesis catalyst, or a Z-selective ruthenium metathesis catalyst.