Vinylation of higher carboxylic acids is usually done in the liquid phase. For example, stearic acid is reacted with dilute acetylene at 10- 15 bar and 165 “C in the presence of 5 - 10 mOl% zinc stearate, although HgO/H,SO, can also be employed as catalyst. Inert gases such as N, or propane serve as diluents. Branched acids from the Koch reaction can usually be vinylated at a higher conversion rate than, for example, stearic acid