Optimization of a process for the synthesis of a sperm whale oil analogue

The development and optimization of the synthesis of an analogue of sperm whale oil have been carried out. The product is an ester with characteristics similar to those of natural sperm whale oil. A central composite design was applied in the synthesis of this fine chemical. The variables selected for the present study are reaction temperature, initial concentration of catalyst and working pressure. Temperature is the most significant factor in the esterification process, and its influence is positive. Pressure influence can be neglected, and the catalyst concentration has a positive influence on the process. Depending on the temperature value, the influence of the interactions can be more important than that of the other two main effects, pressure and catalyst concentration. Response surface models have been found adequate to represent the yield of ester. The commercial quality of the synthesized product is very similar to that of natural spermaceti. Because of its low cost, this synthesis process is considered, from an economical point of view, very attractive.