AND SUMMARYThe two catalyst systems rhodium-triphenylphosphine and palladium chloride-triphenylphosphine were investigated for the respective hydroformylation and hydrocarboxylation of oleic acid or ester to produce C-19 bifunctional compounds. Compared to conventional cobalt carbonyl for making formylstearate, rhodium-triphenylphosphine permits lower pressures (1000-2000 psi vs. 3000-4000 psi), higher conversions (95% vs. 80%), and no loss of functionality (vs. 15% hydrogenation with cobalt). Although palladium chloride-triphenylphosphine for hydrocarboxylation introduces the carboxyl function directly into the fatty acid chain, CO pressures of 3000-4000 psi and corrosion-resistant equipment are necessary. When applied to polyunsaturated fatty acids, both rhodium and palladium catalyst systems have the outstanding advantage of introducing functionality at each double bond position to produce polyformyl-and polycarboxystearates. Selected formyl derivatives were converted in excellent yield to acetals, to acids and their esters, to hydroxymethyl compounds and their esters, and also to aminomethyl compounds that could be condensed to polyamides. Several of the esters and acetals were effective primary plasticizers for poly(vinyl chloride) that had outstanding low volatility characteristics. Other applications for these new and highly versatile derivatives included rigid urethane foams, urethanemodified coatings, ester lubricants, and a shrinkresist treatment for wool.