3045. ----- [RUHRCHEMIE, A. G.] [Process for Preparing Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids of Low Solidifying Point.] German Patent Appl. --, R 703, filed Feb. 4, 1944. FIAT Reel K-30, frames 7,850-7,854; PB 73,587; TOM Reel 37, bag 3,451, item 36, 5 pp.; Meyer Transl. PC-S-V, Oxo, vol. 2, chap. 37, 1948, p.16.

In preparing carboxylic acids with low solidifying points from the corresponding aldehydes by alkaline fusion and subsequent treatment with mineral acids, the aldehydes or aldehyde mixtures that were obtained by the catalytic reaction of water gas with unsaturated hydrocarbons, especially those containing olefins, are used as raw material. The alkaline fusion is carried out in the presence of thick oils and/or hydrocarbons and/or organic metal compounds, especially those contained in the reaction products of the catalytic addition of water gas to olefins. Example: An olefinic gasoline fraction b. 80°-105° on reacting with water gas under higher pressure gave a crude aldehyde, 60% of which constituted of pure C₈ aldehyde, 22% of C₇ hydrocarbon, 18% thick oil and organic Co addition products. 2,000 gm. were heated for 3 hr. up to 325° with 410 gm solid NaOH under an initial N₂ pressure of 5 atm. gage and a H₂ pressure of 130 atm. gage. After completion of the reaction, 2,380 gm. of the Na salt of C₈ carboxylic acids were obtained, which after reaction with H₂SO₄ gave 1,980 gm. of crude C₈ acid. On distilling, 2 fractions were obtained--225°-235° and 235°-240° in respective amounts of 1,010 and 280 gm., with solidifying points of --40° and --29°. In comparison with these 2 C₈ carboxylic acids, normal caprylic acid (C₈) solidifies at +16°.