An infrared spectroscopic method for quantitative analysis of fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters in machinery oils.

A new infrared spectroscopic method suitable for determining total fatty alcohol and fatty acid ester concentrations in industrial oils has been developed. Oil samples were diluted with toluene (1:3 w/w), the toxicity and volatility of which are relatively low compared with more commonly used IR solvents, like carbon tetrachloride or carbon disulfide. Mixture standards were prepared from dodecanol, tetradecanol, octadecanol, methyl stearate and methyl palmitate.