Structural insights and antioxidant analysis of a tri-methoxy chalcone with potential as a diesel-biodiesel blend additive

The durability and stability of biofuels are ongoing problems in fuels research, particularly in the case of biodiesel and diesel-biodiesel blends. Problems such as poor oxidation stability and lower energy availability, which affect consumption, emissions, and energy efficiency, limit the consolidation of these fuels in the global energy matrix. In this context, new technologies have been explored to minimize the negative points associated with the use of these fuels, such as additives, which are compounds that minimize these problems and generate better energy efficiency and emission levels. In the present work, an examination is presented of chalcones as a potential antioxidant additive to diesel-biodiesel blends. A comprehensive study with structural description, theoretical calculations, thermal analysis, and scale-up study, allied to the oxidation of a commercial additive with a tri-methoxy chalcone was performed to demonstrate the potential of this molecule.