Synthesis of dinitrate compounds as cetane number improver

Abstract

Dinitrate compounds of dihydroxy compounds, such as triethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,2-ethanediol etc. could be synthesized by direct nitration with nitric acid and sulfuric acid. The reaction could be carried out with or without absence of solvent. The dinitrate compounds thus obtained were identified by spectroscopic techniques such as Infrared Spectrophotometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. The Dinitrate compounds could be easily blended with base diesel fuel. They were effective in increasing cetane number to 0.3-1.0 cetane until and 1.5-5.6 cetane unit when used in a concentration of 0.05 percent and 0.10 percent by weight, respectively. These substances have potential to be used to improve cetane number of base diesel fuel, compared with commercial cetane improver.