Described herein are dicarboxylate-capped estolide compound and methods of making the same. Exemplary dicarboxylate-capped estolide compounds include those of the formula x is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected from 0 to 20; y is, independently for each occurrence, an integer selected from 0 to 20; W is, independently for each occurrence, selected from —CH2— and —CH═CH—; z is an integer selected from 1 to 40; n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; R5 is selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, and an estolide residue; and R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein each fatty acid chain residue of said at least one compound is independently optionally substituted.