Fatty acids containing an even number of carbon atoms are readily obtained from natural sources, but those containing an odd number of carbons are relatively rare. Outline a synthesis of the rare tridecanoic acid, CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂CO₂H, from the readily available lauric acid (see Table 20.1).

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TABLE 20.1 Names and Structures of Some Carboxylic Acids Systematic name Common name methanoic acid ethanoic acid propanoic acid butanoic acid 2-methylpropanoic acid pentanoic acid 3-methylbutanoic acid 2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid hexanoic acid octanoic acid decanoic acid dodecanoic acid tetradecanoic acid formic acid acetic acid propionic acid butyric acid isobutyric acid valeric acid isovaleric acid pivalic acid caproic acid caprylic acid capric acid lauric acid myristic acid Structure HCO₂H CH,CO,H CH,CH,CO;H CH,CH,CH,CO,H (CH3),CHCO,H CH3(CH₂)3CO₂H (CH3),CHCH,CO,H (CH3)3CCO₂H CH₂(CH₂)4CO₂H CHJ(CH,)%CO,H CH3(CH2)gCO;H CH,(CH2)CO,H CH₂(CH₂)2CO₂H