The invention relates to a method for producing aldehyde functional compounds by a cross-metathesis reaction of an olefinic compound having at least one hydroxy group and at least one C—C double bond with at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid or at least one at least monounsaturated fatty acid derivative, in the presence of a metathesis catalyst at a maximum temperature of 180° C. and in the presence of at least one reagent that acts as a protective group-forming compound in relation to the aldehyde group of the aldehyde functional compounds.