Low emission oxygenated diesel fuel

New diesel engines and fuels are required to meet stricter world-wide emission standards. Challenges include both lower particulate and NO{sub x} emissions. MTBE, ETBE, and TAME utilization in gasoline results in emissions reductions. Similarly, oxygen containing additive use in diesel fuel applications gives substantial particulate emission reduction. In combination with diesel ignition improvement additives, a typical {open_quotes}on-road{close_quotes} 30% aromatic content oxygenated diesel fuel can give an emission profile similar to a 10% aromatic California reference diesel fuel. Oxygenate selection criterion and emission reductions in heavy duty engines are detailed for several commercial P-series glycol ethers and for a new ether oxygenate, di-t-butyl glycerol. A di-t-butyl glycerol product mixture is prepared by etherification of glycerol available as a by-product from commercial biodiesel manufacture. Various strategies for oxygenate use to enhance diesel fuel performance are discussed.