Synthesis and characterization of poly(hydroxylalkanethiol-ether) derivatives of Plukenetia conophora oil

Abstract

Biobased additives for metal working or industrial oils are desirable due to their eco-friendly nature.  In this work, 1-butanethiol, 1-decanethiol and I-octadecanethiol were employed to synthesize three useful poly(hydroxyalkanethio-ether) derivatives of Plukenetia conophora oil. The optimum experimental conditions of solvent, catalysts, time and temperature were investigated. The reactions were monitored and products confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The physico-chemical properties, polymer molecular weight and oxidative stability of the products were carried out to determine their end-use applications. Using perchloric acid as catalyst and a temperature of 50⁰C, the reactions proceeded smoothly to the desired products after 3, 3.5 and 5hr for butylthio-ether, decylthio-ether and octadecylthio-ether derivatives of Plukenetia conophora oil respectively, while retaining the triglyceride structure of the oil. The resulting derivatives of Plukenetia conophora oil possess potentials for application in formulation of lubricants and industrial fluids.

Keywords:Plukenetia conophora oil, polyhydroxylalkanethiol-ether, epoxy ring opening.