Camphorane as a Renewable Diesel Blendstock Produced by Cyclodimerization of Myrcene

Abstract

Camphorene was synthesized by the thermal Diels–Alder cyclodimerization of myrcene and subsequently hydrogenated to produce camphorane. On the basis of common fuel metrics (density, lower heating value, cetane, and viscosity) the prepared camphorane fuel displays appropriate physicochemical properties for its implementation in compression ignition engines. The high viscosity of camphorane necessitates its blending with petroleum diesel, which provides a final fuel within the ASTM specification for diesel. Soot production measurements of camphorane and its blends with diesel demonstrate a potential to significantly reduce soot emissions. The physicochemical and combustion properties of camphorane are further compared to those of other terpene biofuels along with biodiesel.