Synthesis of diester-based lubricants from enzymatically-directed epoxides

US9109238B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• CHEVRON U.S.A. INC. · US
• Novozymes A/S · DK

Inventors

• Stephen J. Miller · San Francisco, US
• Saleh Elomari · Fairfield, US
• Zhen Zhou · Emeryville, US
• Jesper Brask · Jægersborg, DK
• Kim Borch · Copenhagen, DK

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 13, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 18, 2015
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C10N2020/02
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention is generally directed to methods of making diester-based lubricant compositions, wherein formation of diester species proceeds via esterification of epoxide intermediates, and wherein the epoxide intermediates are generated via an enzymatically-driven mechanism. In some embodiments, the methods for making such diester-based lubricants utilize a biomass precursor and/or low value (e.g., Fischer-Tropsch (FT) olefins and/or alcohols) so as to produce high value diester-based lubricants. In some embodiments, such diester-based lubricants are derived from FT olefins and fatty acids. The fatty acids can be from a bio-based source (i.e., biomass, renewable source) or can be derived from FT alcohols via oxidation.