10-Undecenoic acid-based polyol esters as potential lubricant base stocks

A new class of polyol esters were prepared by esterification of 10-undecenoic acid (UDA) with three polyols namely trimethylolpropane (TMP), neopentyl glycol (NPG) and pentaerythritol (PE) in 92–96% yields. The esters were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, HPLC and mass spectral studies. Polyol esters were evaluated for basic lubrication properties and found to be: viscosity at 40 °C, 11.2–36.1 cSt; at 100 °C, 3.2–7.3 cSt; viscosity index (VI), 162–172; pour point +3 to −36 °C; flash point, 254–296 °C. All the three polyol esters synthesized exhibited good thermal stability with TGA onset temperatures above 260 °C. The lubricating properties of the products compared well with polyol esters based on oleic acid.

► A new class of unsaturated medium chain fatty acid polyol esters were prepared by esterification of 10-undecenoic acid (UDA) with three different polyols in 92–96% yields with high purity (98%).
► This is a newer application for UDA, which is a derivative of castor oil.
► UDA is commercially available with very high purities and the resultant polyol esters will have defined properties.
► Among the three polyol esters, TMP esters of UDA exhibited superior lubricant properties like low pour point, high flash point and better oxidation stability. TMP esters of UDA exhibited oxidation stability similar to that of TMP trioleate.