One-Pot Synthesis of High Density Aviation Fuel with Cyclohexanol

Abstract

Due to exhaustion of fossil fuels, there is a keen need for the alternative solution to fuel reliance. Globally, jet fuels account for 12% of current used liquid transportation fuels. Production of branched decalins, one of the most advanced jet fuel is in research with high density, low freezing point and high thermal stability. Decalins being most thermally stable component of jet fuels due to the unique bicyclic structure with hydrogen-detonating capability are in demand for synthesis. In the present study, the reaction is carried out in a single reactor using H2SO4 as catalyst with N2 as an inert. The experiment comprises of three steps in single reactor by managing addition and speed of mixing of reactant and catalyst. 1) Oligomerisation in N2 atmosphere 2) Neutralisation with NaOH 3) Separation and drying New and simple routes for branched decalins from cyclic alcohols and cyclic alkanes through alkylation and hydride transfer in a one-pot process have been presented. The reaction mass is analysed by GC and GCMS for quantification of the products. Further operating parameters such as temperature, concentration and feed addition time and stirring speed are studied in detailed.