Potential uses of jojoba oil and meal - a review

The chemical composition of jojoba oil is unique in that it contains little or no glycerin and that most of its components fall in the chain-length range of C₄₀C₄₂. Linearity and close-range composition are probably the two outstanding properties that give jojoba oil its unique characteristics. Jojoba oil molecules contain two double bonds separated by an ester bond. These three active centers have been proven to be the source of a very large number of intermediates or final products. This paper describes the applications of natural jojoba oil and reviews in particular the reactions that lead to derivatives with potential industrial application: (1) production of semisoft waxes by geometrical isomerization; (2) production of hard waxes by hydrogenation; (3) additives for high-pressure high-temperature applications; (4) extractants for mercury cations; and (5) selective extractants for the nuclear industry. In addition, a general view of the potential uses of jojoba meal as animal feed is presented.