Squalane and isosqualane compositions and methods for preparing the same
View Patent ↗Provided herein are methods comprising catalytic dimerization of β-farnesene to obtain squalane and/or isosqualane. Compositions comprising squalane and/or isosqualane are provided. In certain embodiments, squalane and isosqualane prepared by the methods provided herein can be useful for applications in cosmetic industry and/or in the lubricants industry.
1. A composition comprising isosqualane and neosqualane.
2. A composition comprising squalane and isosqualane, wherein the composition has a ratio of (quantity squalane):(quantity isosqualane) in a range from about 1:60 to about 14:1.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the ratio (quantity squalane):(quantity isosqualane) represents (mass squalane):(mass isosqualane).
4. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the ratio (quantity squalane):(quantity isosqualane) represents (area squalane):(area isosqualane), and (area squalane) and (area isosqualane) are each peak areas measured by gas chromatography.
5. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the composition is prepared according to a method comprising:
A) contacting β-farnesene with
i) a palladium carbene in the presence of a base in a protic solvent, or
ii) a zirconium catalyst; and
B) hydrogenating the product of step (A).
6. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the ratio (quantity squalane):(quantity isosqualane) is in a range from about 1:60 to about 1:7.
7. The composition of claim 6 , further comprising neosqualane.
8. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the ratio (quantity squalane):(quantity isosqualane) is in a range from about 1:1 to about 10:1.
9. A lubricant base oil comprising the composition of claim 2 .
10. A lubricant composition comprising at least about 20 wt. % of the lubricant base oil of claim 9 .
11. A lubricant formulation comprising the lubricant base oil of claim 9 , and further comprising an additive selected from the group consisting of a rust inhibitor, a viscosity modifier, an antioxidant, a flame retardant, an antiwear agent, a pour point modifier, a dispersant, a seal swell agent, a corrosion inhibitor, a demulsifier, a dispersant, a solubilizer, and any combination of two or more thereof.
12. The lubricant formulation of claim 11 , adapted for use as a hydraulic fluid.
13. A machine comprising the lubricant formulation of claim 11 , wherein the lubricant formulation lubricates a component of the machine.
14. A composition comprising squalane and isosqualane, wherein an amount of squalane in the composition is about 5 wt % or greater and an amount of isosqualane in the composition is about 10 wt % or greater.
15. The composition of claim 14 , wherein the amount of squalane is about 50 wt % or greater.
16. The composition of claim 14 , wherein the amount of squalane is about 80 wt % or greater.