The synthesis of acetals and ketals of the reduced sugar mannose as fuel system icing inhibitors.

The current fuel system icing inhibitor additives used in both the military and commercial airlines are ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (DiEGME). These deicing compounds are toxic at the concentrations that are required for effective deicing. When fuel system Sumps, filters and storage tanks are drained, they contain EGME/DiEGME and create a personnel hazard. Acetals and ketals of reduced sugars represent viable alternatives to glycol based additives. They are inexpensive, fuel stable for at least one year and show similar icing inhibitor characteristics. This paper summarizes the synthesis and fuel studies for these compounds.