The self-metathesis of methyl oleate and methyl ricinoleate was carried out in the presence of ruthenium alkylidene catalysts 1-4 in [bmim] and [bdmim][X] type ionic liquids (RTILs) (X = PF(6) (-), BF(4) (-) and NTf(2) (-)) using the gas chromatographic technique. Best catalytic performance was obtained in [bdmim][X] type ionic liquids when compared with [bmim][X] type ionic liquids. Catalyst recycling studies were also carried out in the room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) with catalysts 1-4 in order to explore their possible industrial application.
Keywords: [bdmim][X]; [bmim][X]; methyl oleate; methyl ricinoleate; self-metathesis.