Hydroxy unsaturated oils. II. Preparation and characterization of methyl dimorphecolate and methyl lesquerolate from<i>Dimorphotheca</i> and<i>Lesquerella</i> oils

Abstract

Abstract An evaluation was made of several procedures for the preparation and purification of methyl dimorphecolate and methyl lesquerolate. An anhydrous anion exchange resin in the methoxide form was a catalyst for the methanolysis of the glyceride oils. Liquid‐liquid partitioning between acetonitrile and commerical pentane is suitable for purifying large quantities of methyl dimorphecolate. Methyl lesquerolate can be purified by distillation in vacuo as well as by liquid‐liquid partitioning. Chromatography and low‐temperature crystallization also were tried.