Formation of a jojoba oil analog by esterification of oleic acid using zeolites as catalyst

An analog of Jojoba oil has been obtained by esterification of oleic acid with oleic alcohol, using ultrastable Y zeolites as catalysts. A maximum in activity is observed at 30–40 and ≈ 10 Al/u.c. for steam and SiCl4-dealuminated samples, respectively. Ultrastable zeolites do not catalyze the formation of esters with 38 or more carbon atoms, but are very active and selective for those with 32–34 and 36 carbon atoms. The reaction takes place on an outer shell of the crystallites, the crystallite size and surface composition being important parameters for controlling both activity and selectivity.