The gradual decomposition by oxidation of fatty acids into their next lower homologues

A method for the gradual decomposition by oxidation of fatty acids into their next lower homologues is described and tried on palmitic and stearic acids. The new method comprises the following steps: bromination of the original fatty acid in α‐position, conversion into α‐hydroxy‐fatty acid, oxidation of the latter to aldehyde with lead tetra‐acetate and subsequent immediate oxidation of the aldehyde to the desired lower fatty acid with air and an excess of lead tetra‐acetate. The various steps of the first reactions are executed in such a manner, that nearly quantitative yields are obtained. The decomposition of the α‐hydroxy‐fatty acid to the lower fatty acid gives a yield of 88 to 89%. The total yield of lower homologues was approximately 84%.