POLYOL ESTERS OF MEDIUM CHAIN FATTY ACIDS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARATION THEREOF

A new class of oleochemical based polyol esters of general formula 1 are prepared by esterification of different polyols having 5-6 carbon atoms and 2-4 hydroxyl groups with 10-undecenoic acid or/and undecanoic acid with a hydroxyl value of 1.0 mg KOH/g. Wherein R1, R2, R3 is selected from a group consisting of CH3-, CH3CH2-, -CH2OCOR4 wherein R4 is selected from CH2 CH-(CH2)8- or CH3-(CH2)9-, individually or in combination thereof. The resulting esters were characterized for lubricant properties like viscosity, viscosity index, pour point, flash point and copper corrosion tests. The properties indicate their potential as promising lubricant base stocks for automotive lubricants, metal working oil, hydraulic oil and other industrial applications. Vegetable oils provide most of the desirable lubricant properties such as good boundary lubrication, high viscosity index, high flash point and low volatility. Synthetic esters prepared from renewable resources like vegetable oils exhibit better performance at a lower cost compared to mineral oil based synthetic esters.