LUBRICATING OIL COMPOSITIONS HAVING FUNCTIONALIZED QUERCETIN ANTIOXIDANTS

Abstract
This disclosure provides a method for improving or maintaining antioxidant performance of a lubricating oil in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component. The at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in the lubricating oil. Antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein or Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein. This disclosure also relates to lubricating oils having at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant. The lubricating oils are useful as passenger vehicle engine oils (PVEO), commercial vehicle engine oils (CVEO), and other mechanical industrial applications.
Description
FIELD

This disclosure relates to a method for improving or maintaining antioxidant performance of a lubricating oil in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil by using a lubricating oil having at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant. This disclosure also relates to lubricating oils having at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant. The lubricating oils of this disclosure are useful in internal combustion engines, and other mechanical industrial applications.


BACKGROUND

Antioxidants are added to lubricants to prevent oxidative degradation in service. Such degradation may result in deposits on metal surfaces, the presence of sludge, or a viscosity increase in the lubricant. A wide variety of oxidation inhibitors are known that are useful in lubricating oil compositions.


Current antioxidant chemistry is mostly based on hindered phenols and alkylated aromatic amines. Hindered phenols and alkylated aromatic amines have been successfully practiced by the lubricant industry for many decades. Current antioxidant technology satisfies performance requirements. However, an improvement of the technology environmental sustainability would be desirable to increase the appeal of future lubricant products.


Quercetin is a naturally occurring compound known for its biological activity as an antioxidant. It is a polyhydroxy phenol with limited solubility in water and in oil. It would be desirable to improve its solubility in lubricating oils, and at the same time boost its activity as antioxidant in lubricating oils.


Despite advances in lubricant oil formulation technology, there exists a desire for an engine oil lubricant that effectively improves lubricant antioxidizing performance, including solubility of the antioxidant in lubricant oils, without negatively affecting other lubricant properties.


SUMMARY

This disclosure relates in part to a lubricating oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component. The functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


The at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in the lubricating oil. Further, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein or Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein.


This disclosure also relates in part to a method for improving or maintaining antioxidant performance of a lubricating oil in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil. The formulated oil has a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component. The functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


This disclosure further relates in part to a composition comprising functionalized quercetin. In particular, the functionalized quercetin has the following structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


This disclosure still further relates in part to a process for preparing functionalized quercetin. In an embodiment, the process involves esterifying or etherifying quercetin under reaction conditions sufficient to prepare the functionalized quercetin. In another embodiment, the functionalized quercetin has the following structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


It has been surprisingly found that, in accordance with this disclosure, improvements in antioxidation performance are obtained in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by including at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, in the lubricating oil.


Also, it has been surprisingly found that the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in lubricating oils, and at the same time exhibits enhanced activity as an antioxidant in lubricating oils.


In particular, it has been surprisingly found that, in accordance with this disclosure, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein or Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein.


Further, it has been surprisingly found that, in accordance with this disclosure, improvements in antioxidation performance are obtained in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by including at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant in conjunction with an aminic antioxidant, in the lubricating oil.


Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description that follows.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 graphically shows results from the Lubricant Oxidation Test at 165° C., 125 cc/min. air in presence of Cu naphthenate, in accordance with the Examples.



FIG. 2 shows comparative results from the Catalytic Oxidation Test of functionalized quercetin samples relative to commercial phenolic antioxidant, in accordance with the Examples.



FIG. 3 shows comparative results from the Catalytic Oxidation Test of functionalized quercetin samples relative to commercial aminic antioxidant, in accordance with the Examples.



FIG. 4 shows the 1H and 13C NMR of Inventive Example 2, in accordance with the Examples.



FIG. 5 shows the 1H NMR of Inventive Example 3, in accordance with the Examples.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions

“About” or “approximately.” All numerical values within the detailed description and the claims herein are modified by “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.


“Major amount” as it relates to components included within the lubricating oils of the specification and the claims means greater than or equal to 50 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 60 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 70 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 80 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 90 wt. % based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.


“Minor amount” as it relates to components included within the lubricating oils of the specification and the claims means less than 50 wt. %, or less than or equal to 40 wt. %, or less than or equal to 30 wt. %, or greater than or equal to 20 wt. %, or less than or equal to 10 wt. %, or less than or equal to 5 wt. %, or less than or equal to 2 wt. %, or less than or equal to 1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.


“Essentially free” as it relates to components included within the lubricating oils of the specification and the claims means that the particular component is at 0 weight % within the lubricating oil, or alternatively is at impurity type levels within the lubricating oil (less than 100 ppm, or less than 20 ppm, or less than 10 ppm, or less than 1 ppm).


“Other lubricating oil additives” as used in the specification and the claims means other lubricating oil additives that are not specifically recited in the particular section of the specification or the claims. For example, other lubricating oil additives may include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, detergents, dispersants, antiwear additives, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, metal passivators, pour point depressants, seal compatibility agents, antifoam agents, extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers and combinations thereof.


“Hydrocarbon” refers to a compound consisting of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms.


“Alkane” refers to a hydrocarbon that is completely saturated. An alkane can be linear, branched, cyclic, or substituted cyclic.


“Olefin” refers to a non-aromatic hydrocarbon comprising one or more carbon-carbon double bond in the molecular structure thereof.


“Mono-olefin” refers to an olefin comprising a single carbon-carbon double bond.


“Cn” group or compound refers to a group or a compound comprising carbon atoms at total number thereof of n. Thus, “Cm-Cn” group or compound refers to a group or compound comprising carbon atoms at a total number thereof in the range from m to n. Thus, a C1-C50 alkyl group refers to an alkyl group comprising carbon atoms at a total number thereof in the range from 1 to 50.


“Carbon backbone” refers to the longest straight carbon chain in the molecule of the compound or the group in question. “Branch” refer to any substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl group connected to the carbon backbone. A carbon atom on the carbon backbone connected to a branch is called a “branched carbon.”


“SAE” refers to SAE International, formerly known as Society of Automotive Engineers, which is a professional organization that sets standards for internal combustion engine lubricating oils.


“SAE J300” refers to the viscosity grade classification system of engine lubricating oils established by SAE, which defines the limits of the classifications in rheological terms only.


“Base stock” or “base oil” interchangeably refers to an oil that can be used as a component of lubricating oils, heat transfer oils, hydraulic oils, grease products, and the like.


“Lubricating oil” or “lubricant” interchangeably refers to a substance that can be introduced between two or more surfaces to reduce the level of friction between two adjacent surfaces moving relative to each other. A lubricant base stock is a material, typically a fluid at various levels of viscosity at the operating temperature of the lubricant, used to formulate a lubricant by admixing with other components. Non-limiting examples of base stocks suitable in lubricants include API Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V base stocks. PAOs, particularly hydrogenated PAOs, have recently found wide use in lubricants as a Group IV base stock, and are particularly preferred. If one base stock is designated as a primary base stock in the lubricant, additional base stocks may be called a co-base stock.


All kinematic viscosity values in this disclosure are as determined pursuant to ASTM D445. Kinematic viscosity at 100° C. is reported herein as KV100, and kinematic viscosity at 40° C. is reported herein as KV40. Unit of all KV100 and KV40 values herein is cSt unless otherwise specified.


All viscosity index (“VI”) values in this disclosure are as determined pursuant to ASTM D2270.


All Noack volatility (“NV”) values in this disclosure are as determined pursuant to ASTM D5800 unless specified otherwise. Unit of all NV values is wt %, unless otherwise specified.


All pour point values in this disclosure are as determined pursuant to ASTM D5950 or D97.


All CCS viscosity (“CCSV”) values in this disclosure are as determined pursuant to


ASTM 5293. Unit of all CCSV values herein is millipascal second (mPa·s), which is equivalent to centipoise), unless specified otherwise. All CCSV values are measured at a temperature of interest to the lubricating oil formulation or oil composition in question. Thus, for the purpose of designing and fabricating engine oil formulations, the temperature of interest is the temperature at which the SAE J300 imposes a minimal CCSV.


All percentages in describing chemical compositions herein are by weight unless specified otherwise. “Wt. %” means percent by weight.


Lubricant Compositions with Quercetin Antioxidants Disclosed Herein


It has now been found that functionalized quercetin antioxidants can provide equivalent or better performance than commercially available phenolic or aminic antioxidants. The functionalized quercetin antioxidants show similar activity at lower treat rate, and have been found to be particularly effective when used in conjunction with aminic antioxidants as illustrated by the Lubricant Oxidation Test results in an industrial oil formulation.


This disclosure provides various benefits including: improvement in antioxidizing performance obtained in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by including at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, in the lubricating oil; the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in lubricating oils, and at the same time exhibits enhanced activity as an antioxidant in lubricating oils; in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein or Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein; and improvement in antioxidizing performance is obtained in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with a lubricating oil, by including at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant in conjunction with an aminic antioxidant, in the lubricating oil.


The lubricating oils of this disclosure provide excellent antioxidant performance. This benefit has been demonstrated for the lubricating oils of this disclosure in the Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein, and the Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein.


The lubricant compositions of this disclosure provide advantaged antioxidant performance in lubricant compositions, which can include, for example, lubricating liquids, semi-solids, solids, greases, dispersions, suspensions, material concentrates, additive concentrates, and the like.


The lubricant compositions of this disclosure provide advantaged antioxidant performance under diverse lubrication regimes, that include, for example, hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic, boundary, mixed lubrication, extreme pressure regimes, and the like.


The lubricating oils of this disclosure are particularly advantageous as passenger vehicle engine oil (PVEO) products, commercial vehicle engine oil (CVEO) products, and other mechanical industrial applications.


Lubricating Oil Base Stocks

A wide range of lubricating base oils is known in the art. Lubricating base oils that are useful in the present disclosure are natural oils, mineral oils and synthetic oils, and unconventional oils (or mixtures thereof) can be used unrefined, refined, or rerefined (the latter is also known as reclaimed or reprocessed oil). Unrefined oils are those obtained directly from a natural or synthetic source and used without added purification. These include shale oil obtained directly from retorting operations, petroleum oil obtained directly from primary distillation, and ester oil obtained directly from an esterification process. Refined oils are similar to the oils discussed for unrefined oils except refined oils are subjected to one or more purification steps to improve at least one lubricating oil property. One skilled in the art is familiar with many purification processes. These processes include solvent extraction, secondary distillation, acid extraction, base extraction, filtration, and percolation. Rerefined oils are obtained by processes analogous to refined oils but using an oil that has been previously used as a feed stock.


Groups I, II, III, IV and V are broad base oil stock categories developed and defined by the American Petroleum Institute (API Publication 1509; www.API.org) to create guidelines for lubricant base oils. Group I base stocks have a viscosity index of between about 80 to 120 and contain greater than about 0.03% sulfur and/or less than about 90% saturates. Group II base stocks have a viscosity index of between about 80 to 120, and contain less than or equal to about 0.03% sulfur and greater than or equal to about 90% saturates. Group III stocks have a viscosity index greater than about 120 and contain less than or equal to about 0.03% sulfur and greater than about 90% saturates. Group IV includes polyalphaolefins (PAO). Group V base stock includes base stocks not included in Groups I-IV. The table below summarizes properties of each of these five groups.














Base Oil Properties











Saturates
Sulfur
Viscosity Index





Group I
<90 and/or
>0.03% and
 ≥80 and <120


Group II
≥90 and
≤0.03% and
 ≥80 and <120


Group III
≥90 and
≤0.03% and
≥120








Group IV
polyalphaolefins (PAO)


Group V
All other base oil stocks not included in Groups I, II, III or IV









Natural oils include animal oils, vegetable oils (castor oil and lard oil, for example), and mineral oils. Animal and vegetable oils possessing favorable thermal oxidative stability can be used. Of the natural oils, mineral oils are preferred. Mineral oils vary widely as to their crude source, for example, as to whether they are paraffinic, naphthenic, or mixed paraffinic-naphthenic. Oils derived from coal or shale are also useful. Natural oils vary also as to the method used for their production and purification, for example, their distillation range and whether they are straight run or cracked, hydrorefined, or solvent extracted.


Group II and/or Group III hydroprocessed or hydrocracked base stocks, including synthetic oils such as alkyl aromatics and synthetic esters are also well known base stock oils.


Synthetic oils include hydrocarbon oil. Hydrocarbon oils include oils such as polymerized and interpolymerized olefins (polybutylenes, polypropylenes, propylene isobutylene copolymers, ethylene-olefin copolymers, and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers, for example). Polyalphaolefin (PAO) oil base stocks are commonly used synthetic hydrocarbon oil. By way of example, PAOs derived from C8, C10, C12, C14 olefins or mixtures thereof may be utilized. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,956,122; 4,827,064; and 4,827,073.


The number average molecular weights of the PAOs, which are known materials and generally available on a major commercial scale from suppliers such as ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, BP, and others, typically vary from about 250 to about 3,000, although PAO's may be made in viscosities up to about 150 cSt (100° C.). The PAOs are typically comprised of relatively low molecular weight hydrogenated polymers or oligomers of alphaolefins which include, but are not limited to, C2 to about C32 alphaolefins with the C8 to about C16 alphaolefins, such as 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene and the like, being preferred. The preferred polyalphaolefins are poly-1-octene, poly-1-decene and poly-1-dodecene and mixtures thereof and mixed olefin-derived polyolefins. However, the dimers of higher olefins in the range of C14 to C18 may be used to provide low viscosity base stocks of acceptably low volatility.


Depending on the viscosity grade and the starting oligomer, the PAOs may be predominantly trimers and tetramers of the starting olefins, with minor amounts of the higher oligomers, having a viscosity range of 1.5 to 12 cSt. PAO fluids of particular use may include 3.0 cSt, 3.4 cSt, and/or 3.6 cSt and combinations thereof. Mixtures of PAO fluids having a viscosity range of 1.5 to approximately 150 cSt or more may be used if desired.


The PAO fluids may be conveniently made by the polymerization of an alphaolefin in the presence of a polymerization catalyst such as the Friedel-Crafts catalysts including, for example, aluminum trichloride, boron trifluoride or complexes of boron trifluoride with water, alcohols such as ethanol, propanol or butanol, carboxylic acids or esters such as ethyl acetate or ethyl propionate. For example the methods disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,149,178 or 3,382,291 may be conveniently used herein. Other descriptions of PAO synthesis are found in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,742,082; 3,769,363; 3,876,720; 4,239,930; 4,367,352; 4,413,156; 4,434,408; 4,910,355; 4,956,122; and 5,068,487. The dimers of the C14 to C18 olefins are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,330.


Other useful lubricant oil base stocks include wax isomerate base stocks and base oils, comprising hydroisomerized waxy stocks (e.g. waxy stocks such as gas oils, slack waxes, fuels hydrocracker bottoms, etc.), hydroisomerized Fischer-Tropsch waxes, Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base stocks and base oils, and other wax isomerate hydroisomerized base stocks and base oils, or mixtures thereof. Fischer-Tropsch waxes, the high boiling point residues of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, are highly paraffinic hydrocarbons with very low sulfur content. The hydroprocessing used for the production of such base stocks may use an amorphous hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst, such as one of the specialized lube hydrocracking (LHDC) catalysts or a crystalline hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst, preferably a zeolitic catalyst. For example, one useful catalyst is ZSM-48 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,269, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Processes for making hydrocracked/hydroisomerized distillates and hydrocracked/hydroisomerized waxes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,817,693; 4,975,177; 4,921,594 and 4,897,178 as well as in British Patent Nos. 1,429,494; 1,350,257; 1,440,230 and 1,390,359. Each of the aforementioned patents is incorporated herein in their entirety. Particularly favorable processes are described in European Patent Application Nos. 464546 and 464547, also incorporated herein by reference. Processes using Fischer-Tropsch wax feeds are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,594,172 and 4,943,672, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.


Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and other wax-derived hydroisomerized (wax isomerate) base oils be advantageously used in the instant disclosure, and may have useful kinematic viscosities at 100° C. of about 3 cSt to about 50 cSt, preferably about 3 cSt to about 30 cSt, more preferably about 3.5 cSt to about 25 cSt, as exemplified by GTL 4 with kinematic viscosity of about 4.0 cSt at 100° C. and a viscosity index of about 141. These Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and other wax-derived hydroisomerized base oils may have useful pour points of about −20° C. or lower, and under some conditions may have advantageous pour points of about −25° C. or lower, with useful pour points of about −30° C. to about −40° C. or lower. Useful compositions of Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) base oils, Fischer-Tropsch wax derived base oils, and wax-derived hydroisomerized base oils are recited in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,080,301; 6,090,989, and 6,165,949 for example, and are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.


The hydrocarbyl aromatics can be used as a base oil or base oil component and can be any hydrocarbyl molecule that contains at least about 5% of its weight derived from an aromatic moiety such as a benzenoid moiety or naphthenoid moiety, or their derivatives. These hydrocarbyl aromatics include alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, alkyl diphenyl oxides, alkyl naphthols, alkyl diphenyl sulfides, alkylated bis-phenol A, alkylated thiodiphenol, and the like. The aromatic can be mono-alkylated, dialkylated, polyalkylated, and the like. The aromatic can be mono- or poly-functionalized. The hydrocarbyl groups can also be comprised of mixtures of alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl, cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkenyl groups and other related hydrocarbyl groups. The hydrocarbyl groups can range from about C6 up to about C60 with a range of about C8 to about C20 often being preferred. A mixture of hydrocarbyl groups is often preferred, and up to about three such substituents may be present. The hydrocarbyl group can optionally contain sulfur, oxygen, and/or nitrogen containing substituents. The aromatic group can also be derived from natural (petroleum) sources, provided at least about 5% of the molecule is comprised of an above-type aromatic moiety. Viscosities at 100° C. of approximately 3 cSt to about 50 cSt are preferred, with viscosities of approximately 3.4 cSt to about 20 cSt often being more preferred for the hydrocarbyl aromatic component. In one embodiment, an alkyl naphthalene where the alkyl group is primarily comprised of 1-hexadecene is used. Other alkylates of aromatics can be advantageously used. Naphthalene or methyl naphthalene, for example, can be alkylated with olefins such as octene, decene, dodecene, tetradecene or higher, mixtures of similar olefins, and the like. Useful concentrations of hydrocarbyl aromatic in a lubricant oil composition can be about 2% to about 25%, preferably about 4% to about 20%, and more preferably about 4% to about 15%, depending on the application.


Alkylated aromatics such as the hydrocarbyl aromatics of the present disclosure may be produced by well-known Friedel-Crafts alkylation of aromatic compounds. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Olah, G. A. (ed.), Inter-science Publishers, New York, 1963. For example, an aromatic compound, such as benzene or naphthalene, is alkylated by an olefin, alkyl halide or alcohol in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. See Friedel-Crafts and Related Reactions, Vol. 2, part 1, chapters 14, 17, and 18, See Olah, G. A. (ed.), Inter-science Publishers, New York, 1964. Many homogeneous or heterogeneous, solid catalysts are known to one skilled in the art. The choice of catalyst depends on the reactivity of the starting materials and product quality requirements. For example, strong acids such as AlCl3, BF3, or HF may be used. In some cases, milder catalysts such as FeCl3 or SnCl4 are preferred. Newer alkylation technology uses zeolites or solid super acids.


Esters comprise a useful base stock. Additive solvency and seal compatibility characteristics may be secured by the use of esters such as the esters of dibasic acids with monoalkanols and the polyol esters of monocarboxylic acids. Esters of the former type include, for example, the esters of dicarboxylic acids such as phthalic acid, succinic acid, alkyl succinic acid, alkenyl succinic acid, maleic acid, azelaic acid, suberic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, linoleic acid dimer, malonic acid, alkyl malonic acid, alkenyl malonic acid, etc., with a variety of alcohols such as butyl alcohol, hexyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, etc. Specific examples of these types of esters include dibutyl adipate, di(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, di-n-hexyl fumarate, dioctyl sebacate, diisooctyl azelate, diisodecyl azelate, dioctyl phthalate, didecyl phthalate, dieicosyl sebacate, etc.


Particularly useful synthetic esters are those which are obtained by reacting one or more polyhydric alcohols, preferably the hindered polyols (such as the neopentyl polyols, e.g., neopentyl glycol, trimethylol ethane, 2-methyl-2-propyl-1,3-propanediol, trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol) with alkanoic acids containing at least about 4 carbon atoms, preferably C5 to C30 acids such as saturated straight chain fatty acids including caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachic acid, and behenic acid, or the corresponding branched chain fatty acids or unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, or mixtures of any of these materials.


Suitable synthetic ester components include the esters of trimethylol propane, trimethylol butane, trimethylol ethane, pentaerythritol and/or dipentaerythritol with one or more monocarboxylic acids containing from about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms. These esters are widely available commercially, for example, the Mobil P-41 and P-51 esters of ExxonMobil Chemical Company.


Also useful are esters derived from renewable material such as coconut, palm, rapeseed, soy, sunflower and the like. These esters may be monoesters, di-esters, polyol esters, complex esters, or mixtures thereof. These esters are widely available commercially, for example, the Esterex NP 343 ester of ExxonMobil Chemical Company.


Engine oil formulations containing renewable esters are included in this disclosure. For such formulations, the renewable content of the ester is typically greater than about 70 weight percent, preferably more than about 80 weight percent and most preferably more than about 90 weight percent.


Other useful fluids of lubricating viscosity include non-conventional or unconventional base stocks that have been processed, preferably catalytically, or synthesized to provide high performance lubrication characteristics.


Non-conventional or unconventional base stocks/base oils include one or more of a mixture of base stock(s) derived from one or more Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) materials, as well as isomerate/isodewaxate base stock(s) derived from natural wax or waxy feeds, mineral and or non-mineral oil waxy feed stocks such as slack waxes, natural waxes, and waxy stocks such as gas oils, waxy fuels hydrocracker bottoms, waxy raffinate, hydrocrackate, thermal crackates, or other mineral, mineral oil, or even non-petroleum oil derived waxy materials such as waxy materials received from coal liquefaction or shale oil, and mixtures of such base stocks.


GTL materials are materials that are derived via one or more synthesis, combination, transformation, rearrangement, and/or degradation/deconstructive processes from gaseous carbon-containing compounds, hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stocks such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, propane, propylene, propyne, butane, butylenes, and butynes. GTL base stocks and/or base oils are GTL materials of lubricating viscosity that are generally derived from hydrocarbons; for example, waxy synthesized hydrocarbons, that are themselves derived from simpler gaseous carbon-containing compounds, hydrogen-containing compounds and/or elements as feed stocks. GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) include oils boiling in the lube oil boiling range (1) separated/fractionated from synthesized GTL materials such as, for example, by distillation and subsequently subjected to a final wax processing step which involves either or both of a catalytic dewaxing process, or a solvent dewaxing process, to produce lube oils of reduced/low pour point; (2) synthesized wax isomerates, comprising, for example, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxed synthesized wax or waxy hydrocarbons; (3) hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized cat and/or solvent dewaxed Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxy hydrocarbons, waxes and possible analogous oxygenates); preferably hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat and/or solvent dewaxing dewaxed F-T waxy hydrocarbons, or hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat (or solvent) dewaxing dewaxed, F-T waxes, or mixtures thereof.


GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) derived from GTL materials, especially, hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/followed by cat and/or solvent dewaxed wax or waxy feed, preferably F-T material derived base stock(s) and/or base oil(s), are characterized typically as having kinematic viscosities at 100° C. of from about 2 mm2/s to about 50 mm2/s (ASTM D445). They are further characterized typically as having pour points of −5° C. to about −40° C. or lower


(ASTM D97). They are also characterized typically as having viscosity indices of about 80 to about 140 or greater (ASTM D2270).


In addition, the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) are typically highly paraffinic (>90% saturates), and may contain mixtures of monocycloparaffins and multicycloparaffins in combination with non-cyclic isoparaffins. The ratio of the naphthenic (i.e., cycloparaffin) content in such combinations varies with the catalyst and temperature used. Further, GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) typically have very low sulfur and nitrogen content, generally containing less than about 10 ppm, and more typically less than about 5 ppm of each of these elements. The sulfur and nitrogen content of GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) obtained from F-T material, especially F-T wax, is essentially nil. In addition, the absence of phosphorus and aromatics make this materially especially suitable for the formulation of low SAP products.


The term GTL base stock and/or base oil and/or wax isomerate base stock and/or base oil is to be understood as embracing individual fractions of such materials of wide viscosity range as recovered in the production process, mixtures of two or more of such fractions, as well as mixtures of one or two or more low viscosity fractions with one, two or more higher viscosity fractions to produce a blend wherein the blend exhibits a target kinematic viscosity.


The GTL material, from which the GTL base stock(s) and/or base oil(s) is/are derived is preferably an F-T material (i.e., hydrocarbons, waxy hydrocarbons, wax).


Base oils for use in the formulated lubricating oils useful in the present disclosure are any of the variety of oils corresponding to API Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oils and mixtures thereof, preferably API Group II, Group III, Group IV, and Group V oils and mixtures thereof, more preferably the Group III to Group V base oils due to their exceptional volatility, stability, viscometric and cleanliness features. Minor quantities of Group I stock, such as the amount used to dilute additives for blending into formulated lube oil products, can be tolerated but should be kept to a minimum, i.e. amounts only associated with their use as diluent/carrier oil for additives used on an “as-received” basis. Even in regard to the Group II stocks, it is preferred that the Group II stock be in the higher quality range associated with that stock, i.e. a Group II stock having a viscosity index in the range 100<VI<120.


The base oil constitutes the major component of the engine oil lubricant composition of the present disclosure and typically is present in an amount ranging from about 50 to about 99 weight percent, preferably from about 70 to about 95 weight percent, and more preferably from about 85 to about 95 weight percent, based on the total weight of the composition. The base oil may be selected from any of the synthetic or natural oils typically used as crankcase lubricating oils for spark-ignited and compression-ignited engines. The base oil conveniently has a kinematic viscosity, according to ASTM standards, of about 2.5 cSt to about 12 cSt (or mm2/s) at 100° C. and preferably of about 2.5 cSt to about 9 cSt (or mm2/s) at 100° C. Mixtures of synthetic and natural base oils may be used if desired. Bi-modal mixtures of Group I, II, III, IV, and/or V base stocks may be used if desired.


Functionalized Quercetin Antioxidants

The antioxidants of this disclosure are functionalized quercetins. Quercetin has the following structural formula:




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Functionalized quercetin derivatives have the following general structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


A preferred functionalized quercetin antioxidant is partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.


In an embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid. In particular, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid, in which the molar ratio of quercetin: acid is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:acid is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:acid is about 1:2 to about 1:3.


In an embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, in which the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is about 1:2 to about 1:3.


In another embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with an alkylthiopropionic acid. In particular, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with alkylthiopropionic acid, in which the molar ratio of quercetin: alkylthiopropionic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin: alkylthiopropionic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin: alkylthiopropionic acid is about 1:2 to about 1:4.


Yet in another embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with an mPAOthiopropionic acid. In particular, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with mPAOthiopropionic acid, in which the molar ratio of quercetin:mPAOthiopropionic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:mPAOthiopropionic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:mPAOthiopropionic acid is about 1:1 to about 1:2.


In a further embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with alkyl bromide to form an ether. In particular, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with an alkyl bromide, in which the molar ratio of quercetin:alkyl bromide is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:alkyl bromide is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin: alkyl bromide is about 1:2 to about 1:3.


In a further embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with a brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP) to form an ether. In particular, the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is the reaction product of quercetin with a brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP), in which the molar ratio of quercetin:aPP is about 1:1 to about 1:4, preferably the molar ratio of quercetin: aPP is about 1:1 to about 1:3, and more preferably the molar ratio of quercetin:aPP is about 1:1 to about 1:2.


Reaction conditions for the esterification of quercetin, in particular the reaction of quercetin with a carboxylic acid, such as temperature, pressure and contact time, may vary greatly and any suitable combination of such conditions may be employed herein. The reaction temperature may be between about 10° C. to about 150° C., and most preferably between about 20° C. to about 80° C. Normally the reaction is carried out under ambient pressure and the contact time may vary from a matter of seconds or minutes to a few hours or greater. The reactants can be added to the reaction mixture or combined in any order. The stir time employed can range from about 0.1 to about 400 hours, preferably from about 1 to 75 hours, and more preferably from about 4 to 16 hours.


Reaction conditions for the etherification of quercetin, such as temperature, pressure and contact time, may vary greatly and any suitable combination of such conditions may be employed herein. The reaction temperature may be between about 10° C. to about 150° C., and most preferably between about 20° C. to about 80° C. Normally the reaction is carried out under ambient pressure and the contact time may vary from a matter of seconds or minutes to a few hours or greater. The reactants can be added to the reaction mixture or combined in any order. The stir time employed can range from about 0.1 to about 400 hours, preferably from about 1 to 75 hours, and more preferably from about 4 to 16 hours.


Illustrative functionalized quercetin antioxidants include, for example, those having the structural formula:




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The at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is present in an amount from about 0.01 to 5 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 4.5 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 4 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 3.5 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 3 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 2.5 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 2 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent, or from about 0.01 to 1 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.


In comparison with quercetin antioxidant, the functionalized quercetin antioxidants of this disclosure exhibit improved solubility in lubricating oils, and enhanced activity as an antioxidant.


In an embodiment, the functionalized quercetin antioxidants of this disclosure exhibit equivalent or better performance than commercially available amine phenolic antioxidants. The functionalized quercetin antioxidants of this disclosure exhibit equivalent or better performance at lower treat rates, than commercially available amine phenolic antioxidants. The functionalized quercetin antioxidants of this disclosure are particularly effective when used in conjunction with aminic antioxidants as shown in FIG. 1.


In an embodiment, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by the Lubricant Oxidation Test as described herein or Catalytic Oxidation Test as described herein.


As used herein, “functionalized” means any chemical group formed by reaction with quercetin that changes the structural chemistry of quercetin (e.g., esters, ethers, and the like) and also the properties of quercetin (e.g., solubility, antioxidant properties, and the like). Illustrative chemical groups include, for example, esters, ethers, and the like. Functionalized reactions include, for example, esterification, etherification, and the like.


Other Lubricating Oil Additives

The formulated lubricating oil useful in the present disclosure may additionally contain one or more of the other commonly used lubricating oil performance additives including but not limited to antiwear additives, dispersants, detergents, viscosity modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, rust inhibitors, metal deactivators, extreme pressure additives, anti-seizure agents, other antioxidants, wax modifiers, viscosity modifiers, fluid-loss additives, seal compatibility agents, lubricity agents, friction modifiers, antifoam agents, anti-staining agents, chromophoric agents, defoamants, demulsifiers, emulsifiers, densifiers, wetting agents, gelling agents, tackiness agents, colorants, and others. For a review of many commonly used additives, see Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, Verlag Chemie, Deerfield Beach, Fla.; ISBN 0-89573-177-0. Reference is also made to “Lubricant Additives” by M. W. Ranney, published by Noyes Data Corporation of Parkridge, N.J. (1973); see also U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,930, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. These additives are commonly delivered with varying amounts of diluent oil, that may range from 5 weight percent to 50 weight percent.


The additives useful in this disclosure do not have to be soluble in the lubricating oils. Insoluble additives in oil can be dispersed in the lubricating oils of this disclosure.


The types and quantities of performance additives used in combination with the instant disclosure in lubricant compositions are not limited by the examples shown herein as illustrations.


Antiwear Additives

A metal alkylthiophosphate and more particularly a metal dialkyl dithio phosphate in which the metal constituent is zinc, or zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP) can be a useful component of the lubricating oils of this disclosure. ZDDP can be derived from primary alcohols, secondary alcohols or mixtures thereof. ZDDP compounds generally are of the formula





Zn[SP(S)(OR1)(OR2)]2


where R1 and R2 are C1-C18 alkyl groups, preferably C2-C12 alkyl groups. These alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Alcohols used in the ZDDP can be 2-propanol, butanol, secondary butanol, pentanols, hexanols such as 4-methyl-2-pentanol, n-hexanol, n-octanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, alkylated phenols, and the like. Mixtures of secondary alcohols or of primary and secondary alcohol can be preferred. Alkyl aryl groups may also be used.


Preferable zinc dithiophosphates which are commercially available include secondary zinc dithiophosphates such as those available from for example, The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designations “LZ 677A”, “LZ 1095” and “LZ 1371”, from for example Chevron Oronite under the trade designation “OLOA 262” and from for example Afton Chemical under the trade designation “HITEC 7169”.


The ZDDP is typically used in amounts of from about 0.4 weight percent to about 1.2 weight percent, preferably from about 0.5 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent, and more preferably from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil, although more or less can often be used advantageously. Preferably, the ZDDP is a secondary ZDDP and present in an amount of from about 0.6 to 1.0 weight percent of the total weight of the lubricating oil.


Low phosphorus engine oil formulations are included in this disclosure. For such formulations, the phosphorus content is typically less than about 0.12 weight percent preferably less than about 0.10 weight percent and most preferably less than about 0.085 weight percent.


Dispersants

During engine operation, oil-insoluble oxidation byproducts are produced. Dispersants help keep these byproducts in solution, thus diminishing their deposition on metal surfaces. Dispersants used in the formulation of the lubricating oil may be ashless or ash-forming in nature. Preferably, the dispersant is ashless. So called ashless dispersants are organic materials that form substantially no ash upon combustion. For example, non-metal-containing or borated metal-free dispersants are considered ashless. In contrast, metal-containing detergents discussed herein form ash upon combustion.


Suitable dispersants typically contain a polar group attached to a relatively high molecular weight hydrocarbon chain. The polar group typically contains at least one element of nitrogen, oxygen, or phosphorus. Typical hydrocarbon chains contain 50 to 400 carbon atoms.


A particularly useful class of dispersants are the (poly)alkenylsuccinic derivatives, typically produced by the reaction of a long chain hydrocarbyl substituted succinic compound, usually a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride, with a polyhydroxy or polyamino compound. The long chain hydrocarbyl group constituting the oleophilic portion of the molecule which confers solubility in the oil, is normally a polyisobutylene group. Many examples of this type of dispersant are well known commercially and in the literature. Exemplary U.S. patents describing such dispersants are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,172,892; 3,2145,707; 3,219,666; 3,316,177; 3,341,542; 3,444,170; 3,454,607; 3,541,012; 3,630,904; 3,632,511; 3,787,374 and 4,234,435. Other types of dispersant are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,003; 3,200,107; 3,254,025; 3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,454,555; 3,565,804; 3,413,347; 3,697,574; 3,725,277; 3,725,480; 3,726,882; 4,454,059; 3,329,658; 3,449,250; 3,519,565; 3,666,730; 3,687,849; 3,702,300; 4,100,082; 5,705,458. A further description of dispersants may be found, for example, in European Patent Application No. 471 071, to which reference is made for this purpose.


Hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic acid and hydrocarbyl-substituted succinic anhydride derivatives are useful dispersants. In particular, succinimide, succinate esters, or succinate ester amides prepared by the reaction of a hydrocarbon-substituted succinic acid compound preferably having at least 50 carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon substituent, with at least one equivalent of an alkylene amine are particularly useful.


Succinimides are formed by the condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and amines. Molar ratios can vary depending on the polyamine. For example, the molar ratio of hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride to TEPA can vary from about 1:1 to about 5:1. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,087,936; 3,172,892; 3,219,666; 3,272,746; 3,322,670; and 3,652,616, 3,948,800; and Canada Patent No. 1,094,044.


Succinate esters are formed by the condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alcohols or polyols. Molar ratios can vary depending on the alcohol or polyol used. For example, the condensation product of a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydride and pentaerythritol is a useful dispersant.


Succinate ester amides are formed by condensation reaction between hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides and alkanol amines. For example, suitable alkanol amines include ethoxylated polyalkylpolyamines, propoxylated polyalkylpolyamines and polyalkenylpolyamines such as polyethylene polyamines. One example is propoxylated hexamethylenediamine. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,426,305.


The molecular weight of the hydrocarbyl substituted succinic anhydrides used in the preceding paragraphs will typically range between 800 and 2,500 or more. The above products can be post-reacted with various reagents such as sulfur, oxygen, formaldehyde, carboxylic acids such as oleic acid. The above products can also be post reacted with boron compounds such as boric acid, borate esters or highly borated dispersants, to form borated dispersants generally having from about 0.1 to about 5 moles of boron per mole of dispersant reaction product.


Mannich base dispersants are made from the reaction of alkylphenols, formaldehyde, and amines. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,767,551, which is incorporated herein by reference. Process aids and catalysts, such as oleic acid and sulfonic acids, can also be part of the reaction mixture. Molecular weights of the alkylphenols range from 800 to 2,500. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,697,574; 3,703,536; 3,704,308; 3,751,365; 3,756,953; 3,798,165; and 3,803,039.


Typical high molecular weight aliphatic acid modified Mannich condensation products useful in this disclosure can be prepared from high molecular weight alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatics or HNR2 group-containing reactants.


Hydrocarbyl substituted amine ashless dispersant additives are well known to one skilled in the art; see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,275,554; 3,438,757; 3,565,804; 3,755,433, 3,822,209, and 5,084,197.


Preferred dispersants include borated and non-borated succinimides, including those derivatives from mono-succinimides, bis-succinimides, and/or mixtures of mono- and bis-succinimides, wherein the hydrocarbyl succinimide is derived from a hydrocarbylene group such as polyisobutylene having a Mn of from about 500 to about 5000, or from about 1000 to about 3000, or about 1000 to about 2000, or a mixture of such hydrocarbylene groups, often with high terminal vinylic groups. Other preferred dispersants include succinic acid-esters and amides, alkylphenol-polyamine-coupled Mannich adducts, their capped derivatives, and other related components.


Polymethacrylate or polyacrylate derivatives are another class of dispersants. These dispersants are typically prepared by reacting a nitrogen containing monomer and a methacrylic or acrylic acid esters containing 5-25 carbon atoms in the ester group. Representative examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2, 100, 993, and 6,323,164. Polymethacrylate and polyacrylate dispersants are normally used as multifunctional viscosity modifiers. The lower molecular weight versions can be used as lubricant dispersants or fuel detergents.


Illustrative preferred dispersants useful in this disclosure include those derived from polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester, which dispersant has a polyalkenyl moiety with a number average molecular weight of at least 900 and from greater than 1.3 to 1.7, preferably from greater than 1.3 to 1.6, most preferably from greater than 1.3 to 1.5, functional groups (mono- or dicarboxylic acid producing moieties) per polyalkenyl moiety (a medium functionality dispersant). Functionality (F) can be determined according to the following formula:






F=(SAP×Mn)/((112,200×A.I.)−(SAP×98))


wherein SAP is the saponification number (i.e., the number of milligrams of KOH consumed in the complete neutralization of the acid groups in one gram of the succinic-containing reaction product, as determined according to ASTM D94); Mn is the number average molecular weight of the starting olefin polymer; and A.I. is the percent active ingredient of the succinic-containing reaction product (the remainder being unreacted olefin polymer, succinic anhydride and diluent).


The polyalkenyl moiety of the dispersant may have a number average molecular weight of at least 900, suitably at least 1500, preferably between 1800 and 3000, such as between 2000 and 2800, more preferably from about 2100 to 2500, and most preferably from about 2200 to about 2400. The molecular weight of a dispersant is generally expressed in terms of the molecular weight of the polyalkenyl moiety. This is because the precise molecular weight range of the dispersant depends on numerous parameters including the type of polymer used to derive the dispersant, the number of functional groups, and the type of nucleophilic group employed.


Polymer molecular weight, specifically Mn, can be determined by various known techniques. One convenient method is gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which additionally provides molecular weight distribution information (see W. W. Yau, J. J. Kirkland and D. D. Bly, “Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatography”, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979). Another useful method for determining molecular weight, particularly for lower molecular weight polymers, is vapor pressure osmometry (e.g., ASTM D3592).


The polyalkenyl moiety in a dispersant preferably has a narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD), also referred to as polydispersity, as determined by the ratio of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn). Polymers having a Mw/Mn of less than 2.2, preferably less than 2.0, are most desirable. Suitable polymers have a polydispersity of from about 1.5 to 2.1, preferably from about 1.6 to about 1.8.


Suitable polyalkenes employed in the formation of the dispersants include homopolymers, interpolymers or lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. One family of such polymers comprise polymers of ethylene and/or at least one C3 to C2 alpha-olefin having the formula H2C═CHR1 wherein R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl radical comprising 1 to 26 carbon atoms and wherein the polymer contains carbon-to-carbon unsaturation, and a high degree of terminal ethenylidene unsaturation. Preferably, such polymers comprise interpolymers of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin of the above formula, wherein R1 is alkyl of from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and more preferably is alkyl of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably still of from 1 to 2 carbon atoms.


Another useful class of polymers is polymers prepared by cationic polymerization of monomers such as isobutene and styrene. Common polymers from this class include polyisobutenes obtained by polymerization of a C4 refinery stream having a butene content of 35 to 75% by wt., and an isobutene content of 30 to 60% by wt. A preferred source of monomer for making poly-n-butenes is petroleum feedstreams such as Raffinate II. These feedstocks are disclosed in the art such as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,739. A preferred embodiment utilizes polyisobutylene prepared from a pure isobutylene stream or a Raffinate I stream to prepare reactive isobutylene polymers with terminal vinylidene olefins. Polyisobutene polymers that may be employed are generally based on a polymer chain of from 1500 to 3000.


The dispersant(s) are preferably non-polymeric (e.g., mono- or bis-succinimides). Such dispersants can be prepared by conventional processes such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0020950, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.


The dispersant(s) can be borated by conventional means, as generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,087,936, 3,254,025 and 5,430,105.


Such dispersants may be used in an amount of about 0.01 to 20 weight percent or 0.01 to 10 weight percent, preferably about 0.5 to 8 weight percent, or more preferably 0.5 to 4 weight percent. Or such dispersants may be used in an amount of about 2 to 12 weight percent, preferably about 4 to 10 weight percent, or more preferably 6 to 9 weight percent. On an active ingredient basis, such additives may be used in an amount of about 0.06 to 14 weight percent, preferably about 0.3 to 6 weight percent. The hydrocarbon portion of the dispersant atoms can range from C60 to C1000, or from C70 to C300, or from C70 to C200. These dispersants may contain both neutral and basic nitrogen, and mixtures of both. Dispersants can be end-capped by borates and/or cyclic carbonates. Nitrogen content in the finished oil can vary from about 200 ppm by weight to about 2000 ppm by weight, preferably from about 200 ppm by weight to about 1200 ppm by weight. Basic nitrogen can vary from about 100 ppm by weight to about 1000 ppm by weight, preferably from about 100 ppm by weight to about 600 ppm by weight.


As used herein, the dispersant concentrations are given on an “as delivered” basis. Typically, the active dispersant is delivered with a process oil. The “as delivered” dispersant typically contains from about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent, of active dispersant in the “as delivered” dispersant product.


Detergents

Illustrative detergents useful in this disclosure include, for example, alkali metal detergents, alkaline earth metal detergents, or mixtures of one or more alkali metal detergents and one or more alkaline earth metal detergents. A typical detergent is an anionic material that contains a long chain hydrophobic portion of the molecule and a smaller anionic or oleophobic hydrophilic portion of the molecule. The anionic portion of the detergent is typically derived from an organic acid such as a sulfur-containing acid, carboxylic acid (e.g., salicylic acid), phosphorus-containing acid, phenol, or mixtures thereof. The counterion is typically an alkaline earth or alkali metal. The detergent can be overbased as described herein.


The detergent is preferably a metal salt of an organic or inorganic acid, a metal salt of a phenol, or mixtures thereof. The metal is preferably selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, and mixtures thereof. The organic or inorganic acid is selected from an aliphatic organic or inorganic acid, a cycloaliphatic organic or inorganic acid, an aromatic organic or inorganic acid, and mixtures thereof.


The metal is preferably selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the metal is selected from calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and mixtures thereof.


The organic acid or inorganic acid is preferably selected from a sulfur-containing acid, a carboxylic acid, a phosphorus-containing acid, and mixtures thereof.


Preferably, the metal salt of an organic or inorganic acid or the metal salt of a phenol comprises calcium phenate, calcium sulfonate, calcium salicylate, magnesium phenate, magnesium sulfonate, magnesium salicylate, an overbased detergent, and mixtures thereof.


Salts that contain a substantially stochiometric amount of the metal are described as neutral salts and have a total base number (TBN, as measured by ASTM D2896) of from 0 to 80. Many compositions are overbased, containing large amounts of a metal base that is achieved by reacting an excess of a metal compound (a metal hydroxide or oxide, for example) with an acidic gas (such as carbon dioxide). Useful detergents can be neutral, mildly overbased, or highly overbased. These detergents can be used in mixtures of neutral, overbased, highly overbased calcium salicylate, sulfonates, phenates and/or magnesium salicylate, sulfonates, phenates. The TBN ranges can vary from low, medium to high TBN products, including as low as 0 to as high as 600. Preferably the TBN delivered by the detergent is between 1 and 20. More preferably between 1 and 12. Mixtures of low, medium, high TBN can be used, along with mixtures of calcium and magnesium metal based detergents, and including sulfonates, phenates, salicylates, and carboxylates. A detergent mixture with a metal ratio of 1, in conjunction of a detergent with a metal ratio of 2, and as high as a detergent with a metal ratio of 5, can be used. Borated detergents can also be used.


Alkaline earth phenates are another useful class of detergent. These detergents can be made by reacting alkaline earth metal hydroxide or oxide (CaO, Ca(OH)2, BaO, Ba(OH)2, MgO, Mg(OH)2, for example) with an alkyl phenol or sulfurized alkylphenol. Useful alkyl groups include straight chain or branched C1-C30 alkyl groups, preferably, C4-C20 or mixtures thereof. Examples of suitable phenols include isobutylphenol, 2-ethylhexylphenol, nonylphenol, dodecyl phenol, and the like. It should be noted that starting alkylphenols may contain more than one alkyl substituent that are each independently straight chain or branched and can be used from 0.5 to 6 weight percent. When a non-sulfurized alkylphenol is used, the sulfurized product may be obtained by methods well known in the art. These methods include heating a mixture of alkylphenol and sulfurizing agent (including elemental sulfur, sulfur halides such as sulfur dichloride, and the like) and then reacting the sulfurized phenol with an alkaline earth metal base.


In accordance with this disclosure, metal salts of carboxylic acids are preferred detergents. These carboxylic acid detergents may be prepared by reacting a basic metal compound with at least one carboxylic acid and removing free water from the reaction product. These compounds may be overbased to produce the desired TBN level. Detergents made from salicylic acid are one preferred class of detergents derived from carboxylic acids. Useful salicylates include long chain alkyl salicylates. One useful family of compositions is of the formula




embedded image


where R is an alkyl group having 1 to about 30 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 1 to 4, and M is an alkaline earth metal. Preferred R groups are alkyl chains of at least C11, preferably C13 or greater. R may be optionally substituted with substituents that do not interfere with the detergent's function. M is preferably, calcium, magnesium, barium, or mixtures thereof. More preferably, M is calcium.


Hydrocarbyl-substituted salicylic acids may be prepared from phenols by the Kolbe reaction (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,595,791). The metal salts of the hydrocarbyl-substituted salicylic acids may be prepared by double decomposition of a metal salt in a polar solvent such as water or alcohol.


Alkaline earth metal phosphates are also used as detergents and are known in the art.


Detergents may be simple detergents or what is known as hybrid or complex detergents. The latter detergents can provide the properties of two detergents without the need to blend separate materials. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,039.


Preferred detergents include calcium sulfonates, magnesium sulfonates, calcium salicylates, magnesium salicylates, calcium phenates, magnesium phenates, and other related components (including borated detergents), and mixtures thereof. Preferred mixtures of detergents include magnesium sulfonate and calcium salicylate, magnesium sulfonate and calcium sulfonate, magnesium sulfonate and calcium phenate, calcium phenate and calcium salicylate, calcium phenate and calcium sulfonate, calcium phenate and magnesium salicylate, calcium phenate and magnesium phenate. Overbased detergents are also preferred.


The detergent concentration in the lubricating oils of this disclosure can range from about 0.5 to about 6.0 weight percent, preferably about 0.6 to 5.0 weight percent, and more preferably from about 0.8 weight percent to about 4.0 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.


As used herein, the detergent concentrations are given on an “as delivered” basis. Typically, the active detergent is delivered with a process oil. The “as delivered” detergent typically contains from about 20 weight percent to about 100 weight percent, or from about 40 weight percent to about 60 weight percent, of active detergent in the “as delivered” detergent product.


Viscosity Modifiers

Viscosity modifiers (also known as viscosity index improvers (VI improvers), and viscosity improvers) can be included in the lubricant compositions of this disclosure.


Viscosity modifiers provide lubricants with high and low temperature operability. These additives impart shear stability at elevated temperatures and acceptable viscosity at low temperatures.


Suitable viscosity modifiers include high molecular weight hydrocarbons, polyesters and viscosity modifier dispersants that function as both a viscosity modifier and a dispersant. Typical molecular weights of these polymers are between about 10,000 to 1,500,000, more typically about 20,000 to 1,200,000, and even more typically between about 50,000 and 1,000,000.


Examples of suitable viscosity modifiers are linear or star-shaped polymers and copolymers of methacrylate, butadiene, olefins, or alkylated styrenes. Polyisobutylene is a commonly used viscosity modifier. Another suitable viscosity modifier is polymethacrylate (copolymers of various chain length alkyl methacrylates, for example), some formulations of which also serve as pour point depressants. Other suitable viscosity modifiers include copolymers of ethylene and propylene, hydrogenated block copolymers of styrene and isoprene, and polyacrylates (copolymers of various chain length acrylates, for example). Specific examples include styrene-isoprene or styrene-butadiene based polymers of 50,000 to 200,000 molecular weight.


Olefin copolymers are commercially available from Chevron Oronite Company LLC under the trade designation “PARATONE®” (such as “PARATONE® 8921” and “PARATONE® 8941”); from Afton Chemical Corporation under the trade designation “HiTEC®” (such as “HiTEC® 5850B”; and from The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designation “Lubrizol® 7067C”. Hydrogenated polyisoprene star polymers are commercially available from Infineum International Limited, e.g., under the trade designation “SV200” and “SV600”. Hydrogenated diene-styrene block copolymers are commercially available from Infineum International Limited, e.g., under the trade designation “SV 50”.


The polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymers can be linear polymers which are available from Evnoik Industries under the trade designation “Viscoplex®” (e.g., Viscoplex 6-954) or star polymers which are available from Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designation Asteric™ (e.g., Lubrizol 87708 and Lubrizol 87725).


Illustrative vinyl aromatic-containing polymers useful in this disclosure may be derived predominantly from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer. Illustrative vinyl aromatic-containing copolymers useful in this disclosure may be represented by the following general formula:





A−B


wherein A is a polymeric block derived predominantly from vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer, and B is a polymeric block derived predominantly from conjugated diene monomer.


In an embodiment of this disclosure, the viscosity modifiers may be used in an amount of less than about 10 weight percent, preferably less than about 7 weight percent, more preferably less than about 4 weight percent, and in certain instances, may be used at less than 2 weight percent, preferably less than about 1 weight percent, and more preferably less than about 0.5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil or lubricating engine oil. Viscosity modifiers are typically added as concentrates, in large amounts of diluent oil.


As used herein, the viscosity modifier concentrations are given on an “as delivered” basis. Typically, the active polymer is delivered with a diluent oil. The “as delivered” viscosity modifier typically contains from 20 weight percent to 75 weight percent of an active polymer for polymethacrylate or polyacrylate polymers, or from 8 weight percent to 20 weight percent of an active polymer for olefin copolymers, hydrogenated polyisoprene star polymers, or hydrogenated diene-styrene block copolymers, in the “as delivered” polymer concentrate.


Other Antioxidants

Antioxidants retard the oxidative degradation of base oils during service. Such degradation may result in deposits on metal surfaces, the presence of sludge, or a viscosity increase in the lubricant. One skilled in the art knows a wide variety of oxidation inhibitors that are useful in lubricating oil compositions. See, Klamann in Lubricants and Related Products, op cite, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,684 and 5,084,197, for example.


Useful antioxidants include hindered phenols. These phenolic antioxidants may be ashless (metal-free) phenolic compounds or neutral or basic metal salts of certain phenolic compounds. Typical phenolic antioxidant compounds are the hindered phenolics which are the ones which contain a sterically hindered hydroxyl group, and these include those derivatives of dihydroxy aryl compounds in which the hydroxyl groups are in the o- or p-position to each other. Typical phenolic antioxidants include the hindered phenols substituted with C6+ alkyl groups and the alkylene coupled derivatives of these hindered phenols. Examples of phenolic materials of this type 2-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-octyl phenol; 2-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol; 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-heptyl phenol; and 2-methyl-6-t-butyl-4-dodecyl phenol. Other useful hindered mono-phenolic antioxidants may include for example hindered 2,6-di-alkyl-phenolic proprionic ester derivatives. Bis-phenolic antioxidants may also be advantageously used in combination with the instant disclosure.


Examples of ortho-coupled phenols include: 2,2′-bis(4-heptyl-6-t-butyl-phenol); 2,2′-bis(4-octyl-6-t-butyl-phenol); and 2,2′-bis(4-dodecyl-6-t-butyl-phenol). Para-coupled bisphenols include for example 4,4′-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol) and 4,4′-methylene-bis(2,6-di-t-butyl phenol).


Effective amounts of one or more catalytic antioxidants may also be used. The catalytic antioxidants comprise an effective amount of a) one or more oil soluble polymetal organic compounds; and, effective amounts of b) one or more substituted N,N′-diaryl-o-phenylenediamine compounds or c) one or more hindered phenol compounds; or a combination of both b) and c). Catalytic antioxidants are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 8, 048,833, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.


Non-phenolic oxidation inhibitors which may be used include aromatic amine antioxidants and these may be used either as such or in combination with phenolics. Typical examples of non-phenolic antioxidants include: alkylated and non-alkylated aromatic amines such as aromatic monoamines of the formula R8R9R10 N where R8 is an aliphatic, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, R9 is an aromatic or a substituted aromatic group, and R10 is H, alkyl, aryl or R11S(O)xR12 where R11 is an alkylene, alkenylene, or aralkylene group, R12 is a higher alkyl group, or an alkenyl, aryl, or alkaryl group, and x is 0, 1 or 2. The aliphatic group R8 may contain from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and preferably contains from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms. The aliphatic group is a saturated aliphatic group. Preferably, both R8 and R9 are aromatic or substituted aromatic groups, and the aromatic group may be a fused ring aromatic group such as naphthyl. Aromatic groups R8 and R9 may be joined together with other groups such as S.


Typical aromatic amines antioxidants have alkyl substituent groups of at least about 6 carbon atoms. Examples of aliphatic groups include hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, and decyl. Generally, the aliphatic groups will not contain more than about 14 carbon atoms. The general types of amine antioxidants useful in the present compositions include diphenylamines, phenyl naphthylamines, phenothiazines, imidodibenzyls and diphenyl phenylene diamines. Mixtures of two or more aromatic amines are also useful. Polymeric amine antioxidants can also be used. Particular examples of aromatic amine antioxidants useful in the present disclosure include: p,p′-dioctyldiphenylamine; t-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine; phenyl-alphanaphthylamine; and p-octylphenyl-alpha-naphthylamine.


Sulfurized alkyl phenols and alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof also are useful antioxidants.


Preferred antioxidants include hindered phenols, arylamines. These antioxidants may be used individually by type or in combination with one another. Such additives may be used in an amount of about 0.01 to 5 weight percent, preferably about 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent, more preferably zero to less than 1.5 weight percent, more preferably zero to less than 1 weight percent.


Pour Point Depressants (PPDs)

Conventional pour point depressants (also known as lube oil flow improvers) may be added to the compositions of the present disclosure if desired. These pour point depressant may be added to lubricating compositions of the present disclosure to lower the minimum temperature at which the fluid will flow or can be poured. Examples of suitable pour point depressants include polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polyarylamides, condensation products of haloparaffin waxes and aromatic compounds, vinyl carboxylate polymers, and terpolymers of dialkylfumarates, vinyl esters of fatty acids and allyl vinyl ethers. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,815,022; 2,015,748; 2,191,498; 2,387,501; 2,655, 479; 2,666,746; 2,721,877; 2,721,878; and 3,250,715 describe useful pour point depressants and/or the preparation thereof. Such additives may be used in an amount of about 0.01 to 5 weight percent, preferably about 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent.


Seal Compatibility Agents

Seal compatibility agents help to swell elastomeric seals by causing a chemical reaction in the fluid or physical change in the elastomer. Suitable seal compatibility agents for lubricating oils include organic phosphates, aromatic esters, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters (butylbenzyl phthalate, for example), and polybutenyl succinic anhydride. Such additives may be used in an amount of about 0.01 to 3 weight percent, preferably about 0.01 to 2 weight percent.


Antifoam Agents

Antifoam agents may advantageously be added to lubricant compositions. These agents retard the formation of stable foams. Silicones and organic polymers are typical antifoam agents. For example, polysiloxanes, such as silicon oil or polydimethyl siloxane, provide antifoam properties. Antifoam agents are commercially available and may be used in conventional minor amounts along with other additives such as demulsifiers; usually the amount of these additives combined is less than 1 weight percent and often less than 0.1 weight percent.


Inhibitors and Antirust Additives

Antirust additives (or corrosion inhibitors) are additives that protect lubricated metal surfaces against chemical attack by water or other contaminants. A wide variety of these are commercially available.


One type of antirust additive is a polar compound that wets the metal surface preferentially, protecting it with a film of oil. Another type of antirust additive absorbs water by incorporating it in a water-in-oil emulsion so that only the oil touches the metal surface. Yet another type of antirust additive chemically adheres to the metal to produce a non-reactive surface. Examples of suitable additives include zinc dithiophosphates, metal phenolates, basic metal sulfonates, fatty acids and amines. Such additives may be used in an amount of about 0.01 to 5 weight percent, preferably about 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent.


Antiwear Additives

A metal alkylthiophosphate and more particularly a metal dialkyl dithio phosphate in which the metal constituent is zinc, or zinc dialkyl dithio phosphate (ZDDP) can be a useful component of the lubricating oils of this disclosure. ZDDP can be derived from primary alcohols, secondary alcohols or mixtures thereof. ZDDP compounds generally are of the formula





Zn[SP(S)(OR1)(OR2)]2


where R1 and R2 are C1-C18 alkyl groups, preferably C2-C12 alkyl groups. These alkyl groups may be straight chain or branched. Alcohols used in the ZDDP can be propanol, 2-propanol, butanol, secondary butanol, pentanols, hexanols such as 4-methyl-2-pentanol, n-hexanol, n-octanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, alkylated phenols, and the like. Mixtures of secondary alcohols or of primary and secondary alcohol can be preferred. Alkyl aryl groups may also be used.


Preferable zinc dithiophosphates which are commercially available include secondary zinc dithiophosphates such as those available from for example, The Lubrizol Corporation under the trade designations “LZ 677A”, “LZ 1095” and “LZ 1371”, from for example Chevron Oronite under the trade designation “OLOA 262” and from for example Afton Chemical under the trade designation “HITEC 7169”.


The ZDDP is typically used in amounts of from about 0.3 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent, preferably from about 0.4 weight percent to about 1.2 weight percent, more preferably from about 0.5 weight percent to about 1.0 weight percent, and even more preferably from about 0.6 weight percent to about 0.8 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil, although more or less can often be used advantageously. Preferably, the ZDDP is a secondary ZDDP and present in an amount of from about 0.6 to 1.0 weight percent of the total weight of the lubricating oil.


Friction Modifiers

A friction modifier is any material or materials that can alter the coefficient of friction of a surface lubricated by any lubricant or fluid containing such material(s). Friction modifiers, also known as friction reducers, or lubricity agents or oiliness agents, and other such agents that change the ability of base oils, formulated lubricant compositions, or functional fluids, to modify the coefficient of friction of a lubricated surface may be effectively used in combination with the base oils or lubricant compositions of the present disclosure if desired. Friction modifiers that lower the coefficient of friction are particularly advantageous in combination with the base oils and lube compositions of this disclosure.


Illustrative friction modifiers may include, for example, organometallic compounds or materials, or mixtures thereof. Illustrative organometallic friction modifiers useful in the lubricating engine oil formulations of this disclosure include, for example, molybdenum amine, molybdenum diamine, an organotungstenate, a molybdenum dithiocarbamate, molybdenum dithiophosphates, molybdenum amine complexes, molybdenum carboxylates, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Similar tungsten based compounds may be preferable.


Other illustrative friction modifiers useful in the lubricating engine oil formulations of this disclosure include, for example, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, alkanolamides, polyol fatty acid esters, borated glycerol fatty acid esters, fatty alcohol ethers, and mixtures thereof.


Illustrative alkoxylated fatty acid esters include, for example, polyoxyethylene stearate, fatty acid polyglycol ester, and the like. These can include polyoxypropylene stearate, polyoxybutylene stearate, polyoxyethylene isosterate, polyoxypropylene isostearate, polyoxyethylene palmitate, and the like.


Illustrative alkanolamides include, for example, lauric acid diethylalkanolamide, palmic acid diethylalkanolamide, and the like. These can include oleic acid diethyalkanolamide, stearic acid diethylalkanolamide, oleic acid diethylalkanolamide, polyethoxylated hydrocarbylamides, polypropoxylated hydrocarbylamides, and the like.


Illustrative polyol fatty acid esters include, for example, glycerol mono-oleate, saturated mono-, di-, and tri-glyceride esters, glycerol mono-stearate, and the like. These can include polyol esters, hydroxyl-containing polyol esters, and the like.


Illustrative borated glycerol fatty acid esters include, for example, borated glycerol mono-oleate, borated saturated mono-, di-, and tri-glyceride esters, borated glycerol mono-sterate, and the like. In addition to glycerol polyols, these can include trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, sorbitan, and the like. These esters can be polyol monocarboxylate esters, polyol dicarboxylate esters, and on occasion polyoltricarboxylate esters. Preferred can be the glycerol mono-oleates, glycerol dioleates, glycerol trioleates, glycerol monostearates, glycerol distearates, and glycerol tristearates and the corresponding glycerol monopalmitates, glycerol dipalmitates, and glycerol tripalmitates, and the respective isostearates, linoleates, and the like. On occasion the glycerol esters can be preferred as well as mixtures containing any of these. Ethoxylated, propoxylated, butoxylated fatty acid esters of polyols, especially using glycerol as underlying polyol can be preferred.


Illustrative fatty alcohol ethers include, for example, stearyl ether, myristyl ether, and the like. Alcohols, including those that have carbon numbers from C3 to C50, can be ethoxylated, propoxylated, or butoxylated to form the corresponding fatty alkyl ethers. The underlying alcohol portion can preferably be stearyl, myristyl, C11-C13 hydrocarbon, oleyl, isosteryl, and the like.


The lubricating oils of this disclosure exhibit desired properties, e.g., wear control, in the presence or absence of a friction modifier.


Useful concentrations of friction modifiers may range from 0.01 weight percent to 5 weight percent, or about 0.1 weight percent to about 2.5 weight percent, or about 0.1 weight percent to about 1.5 weight percent, or about 0.1 weight percent to about 1 weight percent. Concentrations of molybdenum-containing materials are often described in terms of Mo metal concentration. Advantageous concentrations of Mo may range from 25 ppm to 700 ppm or more, and often with a preferred range of 50-200 ppm. Friction modifiers of all types may be used alone or in mixtures with the materials of this disclosure. Often mixtures of two or more friction modifiers, or mixtures of friction modifier(s) with alternate surface active material(s), are also desirable.


The types and quantities of performance additives used in combination with the instant disclosure in lubricant compositions are not limited by the examples shown herein as illustrations.


When lubricating oil compositions contain one or more of the additives discussed above, the additive(s) are blended into the composition in an amount sufficient for it to perform its intended function. Typical amounts of such additives useful in the present disclosure are shown in Table 1 below.


It is noted that many of the additives are shipped from the additive manufacturer as a concentrate, containing one or more additives together, with a certain amount of base oil diluents. Accordingly, the weight amounts in the table below, as well as other amounts mentioned herein, are directed to the amount of active ingredient (that is the non-diluent portion of the ingredient). The weight percent (wt %) indicated below is based on the total weight of the lubricating oil composition.


When lubricating oil compositions contain one or more of the additives discussed above, the additive(s) are blended into the composition in an amount sufficient for it to perform its intended function. Typical amounts of such additives useful in the present disclosure are shown in Table 1 below.


It is noted that many of the additives are shipped from the additive manufacturer as a concentrate, containing one or more additives together, with a certain amount of base oil diluents. Accordingly, the weight amounts in the table below, as well as other amounts mentioned herein, are directed to the amount of active ingredient (that is the non-diluent portion of the ingredient). The weight percent (wt %) indicated below is based on the total weight of the lubricating oil composition.









TABLE 1







Typical Amounts of Other Lubricating Oil Components












Approximate
Approximate



Compound
wt % (Useful)
wt % (Preferred)






Dispersant
0.1-20 
0.1-8  



Detergent
0.1-20 
0.1-8  



Friction Modifier
0.01-5  
0.01-1.5 



Antioxidant
0.1-5  
0.1-1.5



Pour Point Depressant
0.0-5  
0.01-1.5 



(PPD)





Antifoam Agent
0.001-3   
0.001-0.15 



Viscosity Modifier (solid
0.1-2  
0.1-1  



polymer basis)





Antiwear
0.2-3  
0.5-1  



Inhibitor and Antirust
0.01-5  
0.01-1.5 









The foregoing additives are all commercially available materials. These additives may be added independently but are usually precombined in packages which can be obtained from suppliers of lubricant oil additives. Additive packages with a variety of ingredients, proportions and characteristics are available and selection of the appropriate package will take the requisite use of the ultimate composition into account.


The following non-limiting examples are provided to illustrate the disclosure.


EXAMPLES

Lubricating oils were prepared as described herein. All of the ingredients used herein are commercially available.


The additive package used in the lubricating oils included conventional additives in conventional amounts. Conventional additives used in the formulations were one or more of a dispersant, pour point depressant, detergent, corrosion inhibitor, metal deactivator, seal compatibility additive, inhibitor, and anti-rust additive.


The lubricant oils prepared herein were tested in accordance with the Lubricant Oxidation Test (also referred to as the Oxidation Stability Test (OST) and the 210 Hours Lubricant Oxidation Test) as described herein, and the Catalytic Oxidation Test (also referred to as the B10 Oxidation Test), as described herein.


The Lubricant Oxidation Test involved loading a vial with 10 mL of sample, and 50 ppm of Fe in an oil soluble form. There was a head pressure of air of 50 psi, and air was bubbled in the vial at 125 ml/min. The test was run maintaining the temperature at 170° C. and, at a pre-determined interval, a small aliquot of the sample was taken out to measure the viscosity at 40° C. The measurement of the viscosity at 40° C. was similar to ASTM D445 and the results comparable. Once the viscosity increases over 200% compared to the initial viscosity, the oil was considered condemned. The Lubricant Oxidation Test (time to 200% KV40 increase) was used to quantify the oxidative stability of the inventive and comparative oil compositions.


The Catalytic Oxidation Test involved bubbling a stream of air through a volume of the lubricant at the rate of five liters per hour, in presence of metal catalyst coupons (lead, copper, iron), at 165° C. for 40 hours and/or at 218° C. for 24 hours. The end of test viscosity at 100° C. was compared to initial lubricant viscosity at 100° C. The percent viscosity increase was used to quantify the oxidative stability of the inventive and comparative oil compositions.


Quercetin was esterified with 2-hexyldecanoic acid according to the following reaction scheme.




text missing or illegible when filed


In the above reaction, a molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid of 1:2 gave the following:




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Further, in the above reaction, a molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid of 1:3 gave the following:




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In the reaction for the preparation of functionalized quercetin at a molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid of 1:3 (Inventive Example 2), the starting materials listed below were used in accordance with the procedure described below.















Starting text missing or illegible when filed  Material text missing or illegible when filed
MW text missing or illegible when filed  (g/mol) text missing or illegible when filed
Mass text missing or illegible when filed  (g) text missing or illegible when filed  /Vol text missing or illegible when filed
mmol text missing or illegible when filed







Quercetin text missing or illegible when filed
302.24 text missing or illegible when filed
 3.000 text missing or illegible when filed
 9.93 text missing or illegible when filed


2 text missing or illegible when filed  Hexyldecanoic Acid text missing or illegible when filed
256.43 text missing or illegible when filed
 7.020 text missing or illegible when filed
27.38 text missing or illegible when filed


N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-
191.70 text missing or illegible when filed
 8.940 text missing or illegible when filed
46.64 text missing or illegible when filed


N text missing or illegible when filed  ethylcarbodiimide text missing or illegible when filed





hydrochloride text missing or illegible when filed  (EDC text missing or illegible when filed  HCl) text missing or illegible when filed  Catalyst text missing or illegible when filed





4-(Dimethylamino)pyridinetext missing or illegible when filed  (DMAP) text missing or illegible when filed  Catalyst text missing or illegible when filed
122.17 text missing or illegible when filed
 3.760 text missing or illegible when filed
30.78 text missing or illegible when filed


Dichloromethane, anhydrous text missing or illegible when filed  Solvent text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed

200 mL text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed







text missing or illegible when filed indicates data missing or illegible when filed







To a stirring room temperature mixture of quercetin (3.00 g, 9.93 mmol) and 2-hexyldecanoic acid (7.02 g, 27.38 mmol, 2.75 equiv.) in dichloromethane (200 mL) was added EDC*HCl (8.94 g, 46.64 mmol, 4.70 equiv.) followed by DMAP (3.76 g, 30.78 mmol, 3.10 equiv.) The mixture was placed under nitrogen and stirred at room temperature overnight, during which time the mixture changed from a yellow suspension to a brown liquid solution. The progress of the reaction was monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) using 10% ethyl acetate in hexanes (v/v) as developing solvent. Upon complete consumption of the 2-hexyldecanoic acid by TLC, the reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane (approx. 300 mL), transferred to a separatory funnel, and washed with 10% KHSO4 (3×200 mL) followed by water and brine. The organic layer was collected, dried over Na2SO4, isolated and concentrated in vacuum to afford a viscous brown liquid. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were acquired of the crude product mixture, which showed unknown signals in the 2.5-4 ppm range for 1H NMR. The crude material was redissolved in dichloromethane, transferred to a separatory funnel, and washed with 10% KHSO4 (3×150 mL) followed by water and brine. The organic material was dried over Na2SO4, isolated and concentrated in vacuum to give a viscous brown liquid (3.1 g, ˜33% yield). 1H NMR spectrum was obtained and indicated impurities were still present in the final product. FIG. 4 shows the 1H and 13C NMR of Inventive Example 2.


The same procedure is applicable to the synthesis of the functionalized quercetin at a molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid of 1:2 (Inventive Example 1).


Quercetin was esterified with mPAO S-propionic acid according to the following reaction scheme.




text missing or illegible when filed


In the reaction for the preparation of functionalized quercetin esterified with mPAO S-propionic acid (Inventive Example 3), the mPAO S-propionic acid was prepared with the starting materials listed below and in accordance with the procedure described below.
















Compound text missing or illegible when filed
MW text missing or illegible when filed  (g/mol) text missing or illegible when filed
Wt/vol text missing or illegible when filed
mmol text missing or illegible when filed
Ratio text missing or illegible when filed







Unhydrogenated mPAO text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed  991.6 text missing or illegible when filed

50.0 text missing or illegible when filed
50.4 text missing or illegible when filed
1.0 text missing or illegible when filed


3-Mercaptopropionic acid text missing or illegible when filed
  106.1 text missing or illegible when filed
 6.96 text missing or illegible when filed
65.6 text missing or illegible when filed
1.3 text missing or illegible when filed


2,2-dimethoxy-2-
  256.3 text missing or illegible when filed
 0.26 text missing or illegible when filed
 1.01 text missing or illegible when filed
0.02 text missing or illegible when filed


phenylacetophenone (DMPA) text missing or illegible when filed  catalyst text missing or illegible when filed






Methylene text missing or illegible when filed  chloride text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed

25 text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed


text missing or illegible when filed







text missing or illegible when filed indicates data missing or illegible when filed







To a stirred solution of unhydrogenated mPAO (Run 5, MIDAS #16-071066) (Mn ˜991.55 g/mol, 50.00 g, 50.426 mmol) in CH2Cl2 (25 ml) in a colorless glass bottle was added 3-mercaptopropionic acid (6.9582 g, 65.554 mmol, 1.30 equiv.), and 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (0.2585 g, 1.009 mmol, 0.020 equiv.). The resulting mixture was flushed with nitrogen and irradiated with a UV lamp (4 W, 365 nm) at room temperature. After 120 minutes of UV irradiation, the 1HNMR showed incomplete reaction. Additional 0.20 g of DMPA was added, and the reaction was continued UV for additional 120 min. 1HNMR showed the reaction was almost complete. Total UV time: (120+120) min=4 hr. The resulting homogeneous colorless solution was diluted with CH2Cl2, washed with water (3×150 ml) and brine (100 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO4, filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator under vacuum to afford a colorless liquid as crude product (51.54 g). Midas #17-016043.


In the reaction for the preparation of functionalized quercetin esterified with mPAO S-propionic acid (Inventive Example 3), the starting materials listed below were used in accordance with the procedure described below.
















Compound text missing or illegible when filed
MW text missing or illegible when filed  (g/mol) text missing or illegible when filed
Wt./vol text missing or illegible when filed
mmol text missing or illegible when filed
Ratio text missing or illegible when filed







Quercetin text missing or illegible when filed
   302.2 text missing or illegible when filed
 1.6 text missing or illegible when filed
 5.3 text missing or illegible when filed
1.0 text missing or illegible when filed


mPAO text missing or illegible when filed  propionic acid text missing or illegible when filed

text missing or illegible when filed  1097.7 text missing or illegible when filed

 13.1 text missing or illegible when filed
11.9 text missing or illegible when filed
2.3 text missing or illegible when filed


N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N text missing or illegible when filed  ethylcarbodiimide
   191.7 text missing or illegible when filed
 3.9 text missing or illegible when filed
20.1 text missing or illegible when filed
3.8 text missing or illegible when filed


hydrochloride text missing or illegible when filed  (EDC text missing or illegible when filed  HCl) text missing or illegible when filed  catalyst text missing or illegible when filed






4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine(DMAP) text missing or illegible when filed  catalyst text missing or illegible when filed
   122.2 text missing or illegible when filed
 1.6 text missing or illegible when filed
13.5 text missing or illegible when filed
2.6 text missing or illegible when filed


Methylene text missing or illegible when filed  chloride text missing or illegible when filed

125 text missing or illegible when filed






text missing or illegible when filed indicates data missing or illegible when filed







To a stirred mixture of quercetin (1.60 g, 5.2938 mmol), mPAO S-propionic acid (Midas #17-016043, 13.075 g, 11.911 mmol, 2.25 equiv.) in CH2Cl2 (125 ml) was added EDC*HCl (3.8563 g, 20.116 mmol, 3.8 equiv.) and DMAP (1.6492 g, 13.499 mmol, 2.55 equiv.) at room temperature. The mixture was then kept stirring at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere overnight. The progress of the reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using hexane/ethyl acetate as eluent. Upon complete consumption of the mPAO S-propionic acid starting material, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH2Cl2 (175 mL), transferred to a separatory funnel, and washed with 10% KHSO4 (3×200 ml), water and brine. The organic layer was collected, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated in vacuum to afford a viscous brown liquid crude product (8.6 g). 1H NMR was acquired on the crude product mixture and compared with that of starting material. Midas #17-028646. FIG. 5 shows the 1H NMR of Inventive Example 3.


Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the functionalized quercetin designated Inventive Example 1 is represented by the following formula:




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Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the functionalized quercetin designated Inventive Example 2 is represented by the following formula:




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Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the functionalized quercetin designated Inventive Example 3 is represented by the following formula:




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The functionalized quercetin antioxidants can provide equivalent or better performance than commercially available phenolic or aminic antioxidants. The functionalized quercetin to antioxidants have shown similar activity at lower treat rate and were found to be particularly effective when used in conjunction with aminic antioxidants as illustrated by the Lubricant Oxidation Test results in an industrial oil formulation, as graphically shown in FIG. 1. The Lubricant Oxidation Test results in FIG. 1 were at 165° C., 125 cc/min. air in presence of Cu naphthenate.


Relative performance of functionalized quercetin samples was assessed against the performance of commercial phenolic antioxidant, Irganox L135 [6-methylheptyl 3-(3,5-di-tertbutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate] in industrial oil formulation using the Catalytic Oxidation Test run for 40 hours at 163° C. and 24 hours at 218° C. Better than equivalent performance, as shown by the viscosity increase, was observed for the functionalized quercetin samples at much lower treat rate (see FIG. 2). FIG. 2 shows comparative Catalytic Oxidation Test results of functionalized quercetin samples relative to commercial phenolic antioxidant.


A direct comparison of functionalized quercetin samples to the commercial aminic antioxidant, Irganox L57 (octylated diphenyl amine) is shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows better to equivalent performance achieved for the functionalized quercetin samples at much lower treat rate. FIG. 3 shows comparative Catalytic Oxidation Test results of functionalized quercetin samples relative to commercial aminic antioxidant.


PCT and EP Clauses:

1. A lubricating oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component; wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


2. The lubricating oil of clause 1 wherein the at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in the lubricating oil; and wherein, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test or Catalytic Oxidation Test.


3. The lubricating oil of clauses 1 and 2 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises a partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.


4. The lubricating oil of clauses 1-3 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid.


5. The lubricating oil of clause 1-3 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, wherein the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is 1:2 or 1:3.


6. The lubricating oil of clause 1-3 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with mPAO S-propionic acid.


7. The lubricating oil of clause 1-3 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP).


8. The lubricating oil of clause 1-7 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is selected from the group having the formula




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9. The lubricating oil of clause 1-8 wherein the lubricating oil base stock comprises a Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV or Group V base oil.


10. The lubricating oil of clause 1-9 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil.


11. The lubricating oil of clauses 1-10 wherein the lubricating oil base stock is present in an amount of from 50 weight percent to 95 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil.


12. The lubricating oil of clauses 1-11 further comprising one or more aminic antioxidants.


13. A method for improving or maintaining antioxidant performance of a lubricating oil in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil, said formulated oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component; wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following structural formula:




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wherein each R is independently hydrogen, alkyl group, sulfur or oxygen containing alkyl group, alkylated acyl group, or sulfur or oxygen containing alkylated acyl group, with the proviso that at least two R groups are hydrogen and at least one R group is other than hydrogen.


14. A composition comprising functionalized quercetin.


15. A process for preparing functionalized quercetin, said process comprising esterifying or etherifying quercetin under reaction conditions sufficient to prepare the functionalized quercetin.


All patents and patent applications, test procedures (such as ASTM methods, UL methods, and the like), and other documents cited herein are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this disclosure and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.


When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated. While the illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described with particularity, it will be understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forth herein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty which reside in the present disclosure, including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.


The present disclosure has been described above with reference to numerous embodiments and specific examples. Many variations will suggest themselves to those skilled in this art in light of the above detailed description. All such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.

Claims
  • 1. A lubricating oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component; wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following structural formula:
  • 2. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in the lubricating oil; and wherein, in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with the lubricating oil, antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test or Catalytic Oxidation Test.
  • 3. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises a partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.
  • 4. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid.
  • 5. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, wherein the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is 1:2 or 1:3.
  • 6. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with mPAO S-propionic acid.
  • 7. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP).
  • 8. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is selected from the group having the formula
  • 9. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the lubricating oil base stock comprises a Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV or Group V base oil.
  • 10. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil.
  • 11. The lubricating oil of claim 1 wherein the lubricating oil base stock is present in an amount of from 50 weight percent to 95 weight percent, based on the total weight of the formulated oil.
  • 12. The lubricating oil of claim 1 further comprising one or more aminic antioxidants.
  • 13. The lubricating oil of claim 1 further comprising one or more of an antiwear additive, viscosity modifier, detergent, dispersant, pour point depressant, metal deactivator, seal compatibility additive, inhibitor, and anti-rust additive.
  • 14. A method for improving or maintaining antioxidant performance of a lubricating oil in an engine or other mechanical component lubricated with lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil, said formulated oil having a composition comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant, as a minor component; wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant has the following structural formula:
  • 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the at least one functionalized quercetin antioxidant is soluble in the lubricating oil; and wherein antioxidant performance is improved or maintained as compared to antioxidant performance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a phenolic or aminic antioxidant, as determined by Lubricant Oxidation Test or Catalytic Oxidation Test.
  • 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.
  • 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid.
  • 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, wherein the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is 1:2 or 1:3.
  • 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with mPAO S-propionic acid.
  • 20. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant comprises the reaction product of quercetin with brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP).
  • 21. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is selected from the group having the formula
  • 22. The method of claim 14 wherein the lubricating oil base stock comprises a Group I, Group II, Group III, Group IV or Group V base oil.
  • 23. The method of claim 14 wherein the functionalized quercetin antioxidant is present in an amount from 0.01 to 5 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.
  • 24. The method of claim 14 wherein the lubricating oil base stock is present in an amount of from 50 weight percent to 95 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricating oil.
  • 25. The method of claim 14 wherein the lubricating oil further comprises one or more aminic antioxidants.
  • 26. The method of claim 14 wherein the lubricating oil further comprises one or more of an antiwear additive, viscosity modifier, detergent, dispersant, pour point depressant, metal deactivator, seal compatibility additive, inhibitor, and anti-rust additive.
  • 27. The method of claim 14 wherein the lubricating oil is a passenger vehicle engine oil (PVEO) or a commercial vehicle engine oil (CVEO).
  • 28. A composition comprising functionalized quercetin.
  • 29. The composition of claim 28 wherein the functionalized quercetin has the following structural formula:
  • 30. The composition of claim 28 which comprises partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.
  • 31. The composition of claim 28 which comprises the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid.
  • 32. The composition of claim 28 which comprises the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, wherein the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is 1:2 or 1:3.
  • 33. The composition of claim 28 which comprises the reaction product of quercetin with mPAO S-propionic acid.
  • 34. The composition of claim 28 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises the reaction product of quercetin with brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP).
  • 35. The composition of claim 28 which is selected from the group having the formula
  • 36. The composition of claim 28 which is an antioxidant.
  • 37. The composition of claim 36 further comprising one or more aminic antioxidants.
  • 38. The composition of claim 36 which is soluble in a lubricating oil.
  • 39. A process for preparing functionalized quercetin, said process comprising esterifying or etherifying quercetin under reaction conditions sufficient to prepare the functionalized quercetin.
  • 40. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin has the following structural formula:
  • 41. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises partially esterified quercetin or a partially etherified quercetin.
  • 42. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises the reaction product of quercetin with a carboxylic acid.
  • 43. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises the reaction product of quercetin with 2-hexyldecanoic acid, wherein the molar ratio of quercetin:2-hexyldecanoic acid is 1:2 or 1:3.
  • 44. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises the reaction product of quercetin with mPAO S-propionic acid.
  • 45. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin comprises the reaction product of quercetin with brominated atactic polypropylene (aPP).
  • 46. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin is selected from the group having the formula
  • 47. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin is an antioxidant.
  • 48. The process of claim 39 wherein the functionalized quercetin is soluble in a lubricating oil.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/779,607 filed Dec. 14, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
62779607 Dec 2018 US