Synthesis, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of Di-guerbet esters

Several Di-Guerbet esters (DGE) suitable for lubricant applications were synthesized from branched Guerbet alcohols and Guerbet acids. The mass spectra of DGE under electron-ionization and positive chemical-ionization (PCI) conditions were recorded. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, especially in PCI mode with methane as reagent gas, is an effective method for analyzing DGE. In methane positive chemical-ionization mass spectrometry, the DGE give molecular ion peaks. In both PCI and EI modes, some other characteristic ions including up to four McLafferty rearrangement products with high m/z are observed. Thus identification of both hydrocarbon moieties is possible. The DGE were also characterized by ¹H-and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance. Deceased.