Synthesis of a high-grade lubricant from sunflower oil methyl esters

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of saturated branched fatty acid methyl esters by codimerization of ethylene with conjugated linoleic methyl esters from sunflower oil. The catalytic system used is composed of iron, diimine and a reducing agent. This four-step synthesis will be discussed. After a last step of transesterification with TMP (trimethylolpropane) a lubricant with interesting characteristics (in particular a high thermal stability and a good cold behavior) is obtained.