A cross-metathesis process for preparing an α,ω-functionalized olefin, such as methyl 9-decenoate, and an α-olefin having three or more carbon atoms, such as 1-
decene. The process involves contacting in a first
reaction zone an α-functionalized internal olefin, such as
methyl oleate, and an α-olefinic
monomer having three or more carbon atoms, such as 1-
decene, with a first metathesis catalyst to prepare an
effluent stream containing the α,ω-functionalized olefin, such as methyl 9-decenoate, an unfunctionalized internal olefin, such as 9-
octadecene, unconverted reactant olefins, and optionally, an α,ω-difunctionalized internal olefinic
dimer, such as dimethyl 9-octadecen-1,18-dioate; separating said
effluent streams; then contacting in a second
reaction zone the unfunctionalized internal olefin with
ethylene in the presence of a second metathesis catalyst to obtain a second product
effluent containing the α-olefinic
monomer having three or more carbon atoms; and
cycling a portion of the α-olefinic
monomer stream(s) to the first zone.