Biofuel and method of synthesis of the same

A one-pot method for producing a di(2-ethylhexyl) ether having a

• wherein the method comprises an integrated catalytic conversion of a C4 croton aldehyde having the general formula 2:
• and wherein said the comprises acid catalyzed etherification of a branched C8 alcohol having the general formula 6:
• as prepared through the following reaction scheme:
• according to any one of the following reactions:
• a) reacting compound 6 with 4 wt. % H2SO4 solid on silica at 180° C. for 12 h, neat, wherein water is removed, resulting in an 80:20 ratio of compound 7 and compound 13 having formula:
• and 99% conversion of said compound 6:
• and/or
• b) reacting compound 6 with 4 wt. % H2SO4 in a liquid at 180° C. for 12 h, neat, wherein water is removed, resulting in a 90:10 ratio of compound 7 and compound 13 and a 99% conversion of said compound 6
• to form the di(2-ethylhexyl) ether.