Structural determination and uses of jojoba oil

Abstract

The predominating molecular species in jojoba oil is cis-13-docosenyl cis-11-eicosenoate (erucyl jojobenoate), ranging from 31% to 45% of the extracted seed oil. Other alcohol/acid combinations contribute to the C42 molecular chain length so that this fraction constitutes a low of 41% to a high of 57% of the total wax esters. The positions of the exclusively cis ethylenic bonds in the alcohol and acid moieties of the wax esters are 99% ω-9 and 1% ω-7. Only 2% of the alcohol and acid moieties were saturated when analyzed after saponification of the oil. Triglycerides were detected by gas chromatography in all of the more than 200 natural jojoba oil samples tested, a few of which had substantially more than the normal 1%. Among the many uses of jojoba oil cited here, the two most promising are the sulfurized oil as extreme-pressure/extreme-temperature lubricant additive and the natural or refined oil formulated into cosmetic products. © 1984 American Oil Chemists' Society.