Relative reduction rates of fatty acid isomers by hydrazine

Mixtures of fatty acids and of hydrocarbons have been reduced by hydrazine in ethyl alcohol solution at 50 C. Samples were removed during reduction for analysis and the relative reduction rates calculated by digital computer. cis ‐15‐Octadecenoic acid is reduced 1.3 times as fast as its cis ‐9‐isomer. No differences were found among cis ‐6,9‐ and ‐12‐octadecenoic acids. cis ‐3‐Octadecene was also reduced 1.3 times as fast as the cis ‐9‐isomer and cis ‐1‐octadecene 8.6 times as fast. Elaidic acid was reduced 1.27 times as fast as oleic.