In one aspect, the invention provides a method for synthesizing a fatty olefin derivative. The method includes: a) contacting an olefin according to Formula I with a metathesis reaction partner according to Formula IIb in the presence of a metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to form a metathesis product according to Formula IIIb: and b) converting the metathesis product to the fatty olefin derivative. Each R1 is independently selected from H, C1-18 alkyl, and C2-18 alkenyl; R2b is C1-8 alkyl; subscript y is an integer ranging from 0 to 17; and subscript z is an integer ranging from 0 to 17. In certain embodiments, the metathesis catalyst is a tungsten catalyst or a molybdenum catalyst. In various embodiments, the fatty olefin derivative is a pheromone. Pheromone compositions and methods of using them are also described.