Impact of eaters of mono- and dicarboxylic acids on diesel fuel quality

The objective of this work was to assess how esters of mono- and dicarboxyl ic acids of different structure affect diesel fuel quality, by measuring ce tane numbers and cold flow properties of blends of the eaters under investi gation with gasoil. An increase in either the chain length of the normal al cohol used for the esterification or the chain length of the mono- or dicar boxylic acid involved in the esterification improves the cetane number. Amo ng the fatty acid esters of the same molecular type, those having the carbo xylic group close to one end of the molecule have better ignition quality, whereas those having the ester group around the middle of the molecule appe ar to have better cold flow performance. Oleates combine good ignition qual ity with adequate cold flow performance, whereas the high oxygen content of some diesters seems to be an extra advantage.