Direct Polymerization of Vernonia Oil through Cationic Means

Vernonia oil is obtained by extraction from Vernonia galamensis seeds. It is a triglyceride containing 70–80 % vernolic acid (12,13-epoxy-9-decenoic acid). With approximately three epoxy groups per molecule, vernonia oil is a good raw material for new product development and many derivatives have been reported. In this work we report for the first time direct polymerization of vernonia oil through cationic means. The reaction entails the use of fluorosulfonic acid as a catalyst and 25–35 °C. Depending on the level of acid catalyst used, the products can range from a viscous oil to a completely insoluble resin. These products have been characterized by NMR and FT-IR. The polymer may perhaps find applications as a thickener in lubricants and oil-based commercial formulations.