BigPatents India

The present invention relates to an improved process for synthesis of trans -alkenoic acids of formula CH3-(CH2) R- CH=CH-(CH2)RiCOOH wherein R is 4 to 9, RI is 8 to 16. The process is high yielding for the synthesis of trans-alkenoic acids particularly trans-tetracos-15-enoic acid, bioactive constituents possessing dose related hepatoprotective activity, which is based on malonate, acetoacetate or cyanoacetate chain extension of bis noralkenoic acids. In this procedure direct reduction of acid to alcohol without using esterification route has been reduced. The use of modified reagents PrP-Bra has resulted in higher yields.