Sperm oil replacements: Synthetic wax esters from selectively hydrogenated soybean and linseed oils

Synthetic wax esters with properties similar to those of sperm whale oil have been prepared entirely from soybean and linseed oils. the synthesis required: (a) selective hydrogenation of the oils with copper-on-silica gel catalyst, (b) hydrogenolysis of fatty acids to fatty alcohols with copper-cadmiumchromium catalyst, and (c) esterification of hydrogenolysis products to yield predominantly long chain fatty esters which contained unsaturation in both the alcohol and acid moieties. Similarity of physical and chemical properties indicate that these wax esters are possible replacements for sperm oil. After sulfurization, the wax esters also have potential as extreme pressure lubricant additives.