Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of poly[n‐alkyl(oxy)‐n‐hexyl acrylates]

Oxoalkyl acrylates of long‐chain 7‐oxo alcohols were synthesized as intermediate monomers for the preparation of poly[n‐alkyl (oxy) ‐n‐hexyl acrylates] for the first time. These polymers have wide applications as fluidity improvers (pour point depressants) for petroleum crude oils. Characterization of all the intermediate monomers was done by IR, 1H‐NMR, and MS, and that of polymers by IR, 1H‐NMR, and GPC. These polymers were systematically investigated for their efficacy as pour point depressants on three types of high waxy Bombay High (Indian) crudes. In addition to establishing the pour points, relevant rheological parameters of the untreated and the additive‐treated crude oils were determined in the laboratory with a rotational viscometer. Results of the crude oils that were pre‐ and posttreated with these new polymers have shown enhanced activity of flow properties as compared to the crudes that were treated with poly(n‐alkyl acrylate) flow improver.