Hydrogenated monoterpenes as diesel fuel additives

Myrcene and limonene were hydrogenated to their fully saturated forms, 2,6-dimethyloctane and 1-isopropyl-4-methylcyclohexane, respectively. Mixtures of diesel fuel and up to 10% of each saturated hydrocarbon were tested by ASTM D975 to evaluate the 2,6-dimethyloctane and 1-isopropyl-4-methylcyclohexane as diesel fuel additives. The results showed that all tested mixtures were within the acceptable ranges specified by ASTM for diesel fuel and that the additives lowered the measured cloud point, compared to the base diesel fuel. Saturated limonene had positive effects on viscosity, as well. As myrcene and limonene are produced naturally in plants, these species represent a renewable route to fuel additives.