Sulfurization of Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil (Simmondsia) has been sulfurized with sulfur monochloride and S in order to study the kinetics and parameters of the process and the characteristics of the final product. Reaction runs were conducted in the range of sulfur content 0-8%, addition time to 140 min, agitation speeds 100-500 rpm, temperature 20- 100°C, and solvent dielectric constant range 2-35. Analysis of the results was helped by tracking the reaction with NMR spectra. Reaction between the oil and S₂Cl₂ occurs by addition to the double bond, and cross linkage takes place with a corresponding increase in viscosity and molecular weight. Reaction in solvents follows a first-order rate with respect to the percentage of double bonds, and is highly influenced by the dielectric constant of the solvent and the addition of accelerators.