Polyvinyl ether based high performance synthetic fluids prepared using cationic polymerizwation

A composition comprising one or more compounds containing repeating vinyl ether units of the general formula —[CH2—CH(O—R)]n, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number representing the average number of repeating units in the polyvinyl ether, wherein said composition is produced by reacting a vinyl ether monomer (R≧4) or combinations thereof in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst under conditions and for a time sufficient to produce said composition.

A lubricating oil base stock comprising one or more compounds represented by the general formula —[CH2—CH(O—R)]n, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number representing the average number of repeating units, and wherein said composition has a viscosity (Kv100)≧2, a viscosity index (VI)≧100, a molecular weight distribution (MWD) between 2 and 50, and a pour point (PP) of ≦30 oC.

A lubricating oil comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and one or more compounds represented by the general formula —[CH2—CH(O—R)]n, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number representing the average number of repeating units, and wherein said composition has a viscosity (Kv100)≧2, a viscosity index (VI)≧100, a molecular weight distribution (MWD) between 2 and 50, and a pour point (PP) of ≦30° C.

A process for preparing a composition comprising polyvinyl ether, said process comprising:

• a. contacting one or more vinyl ether monomers or oligomers of the general formula CH2=CH—O—R, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms, with one or more Lewis acid catalysts;
• and
• b. maintaining contact between the vinyl ether and the Lewis acid catalyst under conditions and for a time sufficient to produce said composition.

A method for improving one or more of solubility and dispersancy of polar additives in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil comprising a lubricating oil base stock as a major component, and one or more compounds represented by the general formula —[CH2—CH(O—R)]n, wherein R is comprised of a branched or linear alkyl group having at least 4 carbon atoms and n is a whole number representing the average number of repeating units, and wherein said composition has a viscosity (Kv100)≧2, a viscosity index (VI)≧100, a molecular weight distribution (MWD) between 2 and 50, and a pour point (PP) of ≦30 oC.