OPTIMIZATION OF THE SYNTHESIS OF AN ANALOG OF JOJOBA OIL USING A FULLY CENTRAL COMPOSITE DESIGN

The development and optimisation of the synthesis of an analogue of jojoba oil has been carried out. The product is an ester with characteristics similar to those of sperm whale oil and jojoba oil. This permits its use as a substitute for these two natural oils. A central composite design has been used in the synthesis of this fine chemical. The variables selected for the present study are reaction temperature, initial concentration of catalyst and working pressure. Temperature is the most significant factor in the ester cation process, and its influence is positive. Pressure has a negative influence, and the concentration of catalyst a positive influence, on the process. Depending on the temperature value, the influence of the interactions can be more important than that of the other two main effects, pressure and catalyst concentration. Response surface models have been found adequately to represent the yield of ester. The commercial quality of the synthesised product is very similar to that of natural jojoba oil. Because of its low cost, this synthesis process is considered, from an economical point of view, very attractive.