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kenikh, your recall of the chemistry of oils is partially correct. The synthetics are longer chain molecules, however, structurally they are esters instead of pure hydrocarbons (higher weight oils 12-15 carbon chain oils, versus 8 carbon branch chains which is octane or gasoline). The ester in organic chemistry nomenclature (proper classification and name) is RCOOR' made from the carboxylic acid RCOOH and alcohol R'OH minus one H2O (water). These esters are less resistant to break up back into their components in the presence of strong acids (sulfuric, nitric, etc) which are
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