Optimization of the oxirane ring opening reaction in biolubricant base oil production

This study has successfully optimized the conversion of monoepoxide linoleic acid (MEOA) into biolubricant via oxirane ring opening reaction using oleic acid (OA) with p-toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) as a catalyst. The four main factors were studied according to a D-optimal design at three levels. These factors were OA/MEOA ratio, PTSA/MEOA ratio, temperature and reaction time. This analysis evidenced the best operating conditions of the oxirane ring opening reaction performed at the following condition; OA/MEOA ratio of 0.30:1 (w/w), PTSA/MEOA ratio of 0.50:1 (w/w), reaction temperature at 110 °C and reaction time at 4.5 h, an optimum yield of 84.61% and OOC of 0.05%. This model results showed a good agreement with the predict value, demonstrating that this methodology may be useful for industrial process optimization.