Modulation of Al Distribution in High-Silica ZSM-5 Zeolites for Enhancing Catalytic Performance

The spatial distribution of framework Al (AlF) has been one of the important factors that affect the catalytic properties of zeolites in diverse chemical reactions; however, the synthesis of high-silica zeolites with special AlF distribution remains a challenge. In this study, we successfully synthesized high-silica ZSM-5 zeolites with a unique AlF distribution by employing pentaerythritol (PET) as an additive in the presence of a few tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH). The results demonstrated that the introduction of PET led to a higher proportion of Al atoms located at the sinusoidal and/or straight channels. It was observed that the addition of PET prevented the interaction between TPA+ and tetrahedral [AlO4]- during the crystallization process, resulting in enhanced availability of TPA species in the form of ion-paired TPA+. This effect leads to AlF atoms dominantly distributed away from the intersection and located in narrow channels, where acidic sites more effectively inhibit hydrogen transfer and coke formation. In the reaction of dimethyl ether (DME) to olefins, the catalyst with a unique Al distribution exhibited a significant prolonged catalytic lifetime, surpassing traditional TPA-ZSM-5 by more than 2-fold and maintaining DME conversion above 90% for a maximum of 148 h. The results of multiple pulse experiments also showed that these PET-assisted ZSM-5 zeolites significantly enhanced the selectivity of propene and butene. This approach provides an effective strategy to regulate AlF distribution in high-silica ZSM-5 catalysts with the assistance of neutral alcohol. It holds great potential for application in the synthesis of other high-silica zeolites, thereby enriching the diversity of zeolite catalysis.

Extraction and Separation of Natural Products from Microalgae and Other Natural Sources Using Liquefied Dimethyl Ether, a Green Solvent: A Review

Microalgae are a sustainable source for the production of biofuels and bioactive compounds. This review discusses significant research on innovative extraction techniques using dimethyl ether (DME) as a green subcritical fluid. DME, which is characterized by its low boiling point and safety as an organic solvent, exhibits remarkable properties that enable high extraction rates of various active compounds, including lipids and bioactive compounds, from high-water-content microalgae without the need for drying. In this review, the superiority of liquefied DME extraction technology for microalgae over conventional methods is discussed in detail. In addition, we elucidate the extraction mechanism of this technology and address its safety for human health and the environment. This review also covers aspects related to extraction equipment, various applications of different extraction processes, and the estimation and trend analysis of the Hansen solubility parameters. In addition, we anticipate a promising trajectory for the expansion of this technology for the extraction of various resources.

Chemical-Dealloying-Derived PtPdPb-Based Multimetallic Nanoparticles: Dimethyl Ether Electrocatalysis and Fuel Cell Application

In this work, we report a novel multimetallic nanoparticle catalyst composed of Pt, Pd, and Pb and its electrochemical activity toward dimethyl ether (DME) oxidation in liquid electrolyte and polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Chemical dealloying of the catalyst with the lowest platinum-group metal (PGM) content, Pt2PdPb2/C, was conducted using HNO3 to tune the catalyst activity. Comprehensive characterization of the chemical-dealloying-derived catalyst nanoparticles unambiguously showed that the acid treatment removed 50% Pb from the nanoparticles with an insignificant effect on the PGM metals and led to the formation of smaller-sized nanoparticles. Electrochemical studies showed that Pb dissolution led to structural changes in the original catalysts. Chemical-dealloying-derived catalyst nanoparticles made of multiple phases (Pt, Pt3Pb, PtPb) provided one of the highest PGM-normalized power densities of 118 mW mgPGM-1 in a single direct DME fuel cell operated at low anode catalyst loading (1 mgPGM cm-2) at 70 °C. A possible DME oxidation pathway for these multimetallic catalysts was proposed based on an online mass spectrometry study and the analysis of the reaction products.

Unsaturated Penta-Coordinated Mo5c5+ Sites Enabled Low-Temperature Oxidation of C-H Bonds in Ethers

Selective oxidation of C-H bonds under mild conditions is one of the most important and challenging issues in utilization of energy-related molecules. Molybdenum oxide nanostructures containing Mo5+ species are effective for these reactions, but the accurate identification of the structure of active Mo5+ species and the catalytic mechanism remain unclear. Herein, unsaturated penta-coordinated Mo5c5+ with a high fraction in MoOx fabricated by the hydrothermal method were identified as the active sites for low-temperature oxidation of dimethyl ether (DME) by the deep correlation of characterizations, density functional theory calculations, and activity results, giving a methyl formate selectivity of 96.3% and DME conversion of 12.5% at unreported 110 °C. Low-temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) and quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) with the designed experiments confirm that the Mo5c5+ species can be formed in situ. Molybdenum located at the pentachronic site is preferable to significantly promote the oxidation of the C-H bond in CH3O* at lower temperatures.

A Kinetic Model Considering Catalyst Deactivation for Methanol-to-Dimethyl Ether on a Biomass-Derived Zr/P-Carbon Catalyst

A Zr-loaded P-containing biomass-derived activated carbon (ACPZr) has been tested for methanol dehydration between 450 and 550 °C. At earlier stages, methanol conversion was complete, and the reaction product was mainly dimethyl ether (DME), although coke, methane, hydrogen and CO were also observed to a lesser extent. The catalyst was slowly deactivated with time-on-stream (TOS), but maintained a high selectivity to DME (>80%), with a higher yield to this product than 20% for more than 24 h at 500 °C. A kinetic model was developed for methanol dehydration reaction, which included the effect of the inhibition of water and the deactivation of the catalyst by coke. The study of stoichiometric rates pointed out that coke could be produced through a formaldehyde intermediate, which might, alternatively, decompose into CO and H₂. On the other hand, the presence of 10% water in the feed did not affect the rate of coke formation, but produced a reduction of 50% in the DME yield, suggesting a reversible competitive adsorption of water. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood reaction mechanism was used to develop a kinetic model that considered the deactivation of the catalyst. Activation energy values of 65 and 51 kJ/mol were obtained for DME and methane production in the temperature range from 450 °C to 550 °C. On the other hand, coke formation as a function of time on stream (TOS) was also modelled and used as the input for the deactivation function of the model, which allowed for the successful prediction of the DME, CH₄ and CO yields in the whole evaluated TOS interval.

Feature of catalysis on bimetallic alloys Zr with V, Mo, and Fe in the reaction of methanol oxidation

Catalytic behaviors of bimetallic catalysts-alloys of zirconium with vanadium, molybdenum, and iron was investigated in the oxidative dehydrogenation of methanol. The conditions for the formation of the catalyst’s active surface were revealed. The conversion of methanol into formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, and dimethoxymethane on bimetallic catalysts was studied. The characterization of catalysts was performed by XRD, XPS, and SEM. It was shown that the activity of samples increases after О₂ + Н₂ treatment and was associated with segregation of the active components of alloys (V, Mo) on the surface of catalysts and realization of their optimal oxidation state under catalysis conditions.

Sub- and Supercritical Extraction of Slovenian Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) Aurora Variety Using Different Solvents

This work investigates the efficiency of supercritical fluid extraction of hops with a variety of solvents including carbon dioxide (CO₂), propane, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), and dimethyl ether (DME) at various densities (low-density and high-density). Operating parameters were 50 bar, 100 bar and 150 bar and 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C and 80 °C for all solvents, respectively. The influence of process parameters on the total yield of extraction and content of bitter acids in the extracts has been investigated. The mathematical model based on Fick's second law well described the experimental extraction results. Furthermore, HPLC analysis has been used to determine α- and β-acids in extracts. The yield of bitter compounds in hop extracts was largely influenced by the type of solvent, the temperature and pressure applied during extraction. The results show that CO₂ and propane were roughly equivalent to DME in solvating power, while SF₆ was a poor solvent at the same conditions. The highest yield as well as the highest concentration of bitter acids in extracts were obtained by using DME, where the optimal operating conditions were 40 °C and 100 bar for the extraction of α-acids (max. concentration 9.6%), 60 °C and 50 bar for the extraction of β-acids (4.5%) and 60 °C and 150 bar for the maximum extraction yield (25.6%).

CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and dimethyl ether at atmospheric pressure using Cu-Ho-Ga/γ-Al2O3 and Cu-Ho-Ga/ZSM-5: Experimental study and thermodynamic analysis

CO₂ valorization through chemical reactions attracts significant attention due to the mitigation of greenhouse gas effects. This article covers the catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ to methanol and dimethyl ether using Cu-Ho-Ga containing ZSM-5 and g-Al₂O₃ at atmospheric pressure and at temperatures of 210 °C and 260 °C using a CO₂:H₂ feed ratio of 1:3 and 1:9. In addition, the thermodynamic limitations of methanol and DME formation from CO₂ was investigated at a temperature range of 100-400 °C. Cu-Ho-Ga/g-Al₂O₃ catalyst shows the highest formation rate of methanol (90.3 µmol_CH3OH/g_cat/h ) and DME (13.2 µmol_DME/g_cat/h) as well as the highest selectivity towards methanol and DME (39.9 %) at 210 °C using a CO₂:H₂ 1:9 feed ratio. In both the thermodynamic analysis and reaction results, the higher concentration of H₂ in the feed and lower reaction temperature resulted in higher DME selectivity and lower CO production rates.

Process Simulation and Environmental Aspects of Dimethyl Ether Production from Digestate-Derived Syngas

The production of dimethyl ether from renewables or waste is a promising strategy to push towards a sustainable energy transition of alternative eco-friendly diesel fuel. In this work, we simulate the synthesis of dimethyl ether from a syngas (a mixture of CO, CO₂ and H₂) produced from gasification of digestate. In particular, a thermodynamic analysis was performed to individuate the best process conditions and syngas conditioning processes to maximize yield to dimethyl etehr (DME). Process simulation was carried out by ChemCAD software, and it was particularly focused on the effect of process conditions of both water gas shift and CO₂ absorption by Selexol^® on the syngas composition, with a direct influence on DME productivity. The final best flowsheet and the best process conditions were evaluated in terms of CO₂ equivalent emissions. Results show direct DME synthesis global yield was higher without the WGS section and with a carbon capture equal to 85%. The final environmental impact was found equal to −113 kgCO₂/GJ, demonstrating that DME synthesis from digestate may be considered as a suitable strategy for carbon dioxide recycling.

The Effect of Zeolite Features on the Dehydration Reaction of Methanol to Dimethyl Ether: Catalytic Behaviour and Kinetics

The synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) is an important step in the production of chemical intermediate because it is possible to prepare it by direct hydrogenation of CO₂. This paper reports the effect of different zeolitic frameworks (such as: BEA, EUO, FER, MFI, MOR, MTW, TON) on methanol conversion, DME selectivity and catalyst deactivation. The effect of crystal size, Si/Al ratio and acidity of the investigated catalysts have been also studied. Finally, the kinetic parameters (such as: ∆H, ∆S and ∆G) have been evaluated together with pre-exponential factor and activation energy for catalysts with FER and MFI structure topology.

The Direct Partial Oxidation of Methane to Dimethyl Ether over Pt/Y2 O3 Catalysts Using an NO/O2 Shuttle

Using a mixture of NO + O₂ as the oxidant enabled the direct selective oxidation of methane to dimethyl ether (DME) over Pt/Y₂ O₃ . The reaction was carried out in a fixed bed reactor at 0.1 MPa over a temperature range of 275-375 °C. During the activity tests, the only carbon-containing products were DME and CO₂ . The DME productivity (μmol g_cat ^-1  h^-1 ) was comparable to oxygenate productivities reported in the literature for strong oxidants (N₂ O, H₂ O₂ , O₃ ). The NO + O₂ mixture formed NO₂ , which acted as the oxygen atom carrier for the ultimate oxidant O₂ . During the methane partial oxidation reaction, NO and NO₂ were not reduced to N₂ . In situ FTIR showed the formation of surface nitrate species, which are considered to be key intermediate species for the selective oxidation.

Zirconium Oxide Sulfate-Carbon (ZrOSO4@C) Derived from Carbonized UiO-66 for Selective Production of Dimethyl Ether

Methanol dehydration process to dimethyl ether (DME) has been considered as one of the main routes to produce clean fuel, that is, DME. Thus, efficient catalysts are highly required for selective production of DME. Herein, UiO-66 was used as a precursor for the synthesis of zirconium oxide sulfate embedded carbon (ZrOSO₄@C). The synthesis method involves a one-step carbonization of UiO-66 in the presence of sulfuric acid (10 wt %). Material characterizations using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy approve the formation of the high crystalline phase of ZrOSO₄@C. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirm the mesopore structure of the materials. Acidity analysis using pyridine temperature-programmed desorption and isopropanol dehydration corroborates that ZrOSO₄@C has weak and intermediate acidic sites making ZrOSO₄@C an effective catalyst for methanol dehydration to DME. The materials offered full conversion (100%) with excellent selectivity (100%) at a relatively low temperature (250 °C). The catalyst exhibited a long-term stability for 120 h. Based on these results, DME is produced efficiently in terms of conversion, selectivity, and long-term stability.

Methanol Dehydration to Dimethyl Ether on Zr-Loaded P-Containing Mesoporous Activated Carbon Catalysts

Activated carbons have been prepared by the chemical activation of olive stones with phosphoric acid and loaded with Zr. The addition of Zr to the phosphorus-containing activated carbons resulted in the formation of zirconium phosphate surface groups. Gas phase methanol dehydration has been studied while using the prepared Zr-loaded P-containing activated carbons as catalysts. Carbon catalysts showed high steady-state methanol conversion values, which increased with Zr loading up to a limit that was related to P content. The selectivity towards dimethyl ether was higher than 95% for all Zr loadings. Zirconium phosphate species that were present on catalysts surface were responsible for the catalytic activity.

Mid-Infrared Polarization Spectroscopy Measurements of Species Concentrations and Temperature in a Low-Pressure Flame

We demonstrate quantitative measurements of methane (CH₄) mole fractions in a low-pressure fuel-rich premixed dimethyl ether/oxygen/argon flat flame (Φ = 1.87, 37 mbar) using mid-infrared (IR) polarization spectroscopy (IRPS). Non-intrusive in situ detection of CH₄, acetylene (C₂H₂), and ethane (C₂H₆) in the flame was realized by probing the fundamental asymmetric C-H stretching vibration bands in the respective molecules in the spectral range 2970-3340 cm^-1. The flame was stabilized on a McKenna-type porous plug burner hosted in a low-pressure chamber. The temperature at different heights above the burner (HAB) was measured from the line ratio of temperature-sensitive H₂O spectral lines recorded using IRPS. Quantitative measurements of CH₄ mole fractions at different HAB in the flame were realized by a calibration measurement in a low-pressure gas flow of N₂ with a small admixture of known amount of CH₄. A comprehensive study of the collision effects on the IRPS signal was performed in order to quantify the flame measurement. The concentration and temperature measurements were found to agree reasonably well with simulations using Chemkin. These measurements prove the potential of IRPS as a sensitive, non-intrusive, in situ technique in low pressure flames.

In Situ FT-IR Characterization of CuZnZr/Ferrierite Hybrid Catalysts for One-Pot CO₂-to-DME Conversion

CO₂ hydrogenation to dimethyl ether (DME) is a promising strategy to drive the current chemical industry towards a low-carbon scenario since DME can be used as an eco-friendly fuel as well as a platform molecule for chemical production. A Cu‒ZnO‒ZrO₂/ferrierite (CZZ/FER) hybrid grain was recently proposed as a catalyst for CO₂-to-DME one-pot conversion exhibiting high DME productivity thanks to the unique shape-selectivity offered by ferrierite zeolite. Nevertheless, such a catalyst deactivates but no direct evidence has been reported of activity loss over time. In this work, CZZ/FER catalysts with different acidity levels were characterized with the FTIR technique before and after reactions, aiming to give new insights about catalyst deactivation. Results show that activity loss can be related to both (i) copper particle sintering, which decreases CO₂ activation towards methanol, and (ii) acidity loss due to H⁺/Cu²⁺ ion exchange.

CO₂ Recycling to Dimethyl Ether: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives

This review reports recent achievements in dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis via CO₂ hydrogenation. This gas-phase process could be considered as a promising alternative for carbon dioxide recycling toward a (bio)fuel as DME. In this view, the production of DME from catalytic hydrogenation of CO₂ appears as a technology able to face also the ever-increasing demand for alternative, environmentally-friendly fuels and energy carriers. Basic considerations on thermodynamic aspects controlling DME production from CO₂ are presented along with a survey of the most innovative catalytic systems developed in this field. During the last years, special attention has been paid to the role of zeolite-based catalysts, either in the methanol-to-DME dehydration step or in the one-pot CO₂-to-DME hydrogenation. Overall, the productivity of DME was shown to be dependent on several catalyst features, related not only to the metal-oxide phase-responsible for CO₂ activation/hydrogenation-but also to specific properties of the zeolites (i.e., topology, porosity, specific surface area, acidity, interaction with active metals, distributions of metal particles, …) influencing activity and stability of hybridized bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts. All these aspects are discussed in details, summarizing recent achievements in this research field.

Stability of a Bifunctional Cu-Based Core@Zeolite Shell Catalyst for Dimethyl Ether Synthesis Under Redox Conditions Studied by Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy and In Situ X-Ray Ptychography

When using bifunctional core@shell catalysts, the stability of both the shell and core-shell interface is crucial for catalytic applications. In the present study, we elucidate the stability of a CuO/ZnO/Al2O3@ZSM-5 core@shell material, used for one-stage synthesis of dimethyl ether from synthesis gas. The catalyst stability was studied in a hierarchical manner by complementary environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ hard X-ray ptychography with a specially designed in situ cell. Both reductive activation and reoxidation were applied. The core-shell interface was found to be stable during reducing and oxidizing treatment at 250°C as observed by ETEM and in situ X-ray ptychography, although strong changes occurred in the core on a 10 nm scale due to the reduction of copper oxide to metallic copper particles. At 350°C, in situ X-ray ptychography indicated the occurrence of structural changes also on the µm scale, i.e. the core material and parts of the shell undergo restructuring. Nevertheless, the crucial core-shell interface required for full bifunctionality appeared to remain stable. This study demonstrates the potential of these correlative in situ microscopy techniques for hierarchically designed catalysts.

Density measurements of compressed-liquid dimethyl ether + pentane mixtures

Compressed-liquid densities of three compositions of the binary mixture dimethyl ether (CAS No. 115-10-6) + pentane (CAS No. 109-66-0) have been measured with a vibrating U-tube densimeter. Measurements were made at temperatures from 270 K to 390 K with pressures from 1.0 MPa to 50 MPa. The overall combined uncertainty (k=2) of the density data is 0.81 kg·m-3. Data presented here have been used to improve a previously formulated Helmholtz energy based mixture model. The newly derived parameters are given.

Facilely synthesized H-mordenite nanosheet assembly for carbonylation of dimethyl ether

Hard coke blockage of micropores of acidic zeolites generally causes serious catalytic deactivation for many chemical processes. Herein, we report a facile method to synthesize H-mordenite nanosheet assemblies without using any template agent. The assemblies exhibit the high catalytic activity for carbonylation of dimethyl ether because of their large quantity of framework Brønsted acids. The specific morphology of the nanosheet unites improves mass diffusion for both reactants and products. Consequently, the coke precursor species can readily migrate from the micropores to the external surface of the assemblies, inducing the improved catalytic stability through inhibiting hard coke formation in frameworks.

Adsorption structure of dimethyl ether on silicalite-1 zeolite determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction

The adsorption structures of dimethyl ether (DME) on silicalite-1 zeolite (MFI-type) are determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of low-loaded DME-silicalite-1 indicates that all DME molecules are located in the sinusoidal channel, which is the most stable sorption site based on the van der Waals interaction between DME and the framework. The configuration of guest molecules (linear or bent) plays an important role in determining where the stable sorption site is in the pore system of MFI-type zeolites. Bent molecules favor the sinusoidal channel, while linear molecules favor the straight channel. The contribution of DME-DME interactions is considerable in the high-loaded DME-silicalite-1 structure.

Kinetic, spectroscopic, and theoretical assessment of associative and dissociative methanol dehydration routes in zeolites

Mechanistic interpretations of rates and in situ IR spectra combined with density functionals that account for van der Waals interactions of intermediates and transition states within confining voids show that associative routes mediate the formation of dimethyl ether from methanol on zeolitic acids at the temperatures and pressures of practical dehydration catalysis. Methoxy-mediated dissociative routes become prevalent at higher temperatures and lower pressures, because they involve smaller transition states with higher enthalpy, but also higher entropy, than those in associative routes. These enthalpy-entropy trade-offs merely reflect the intervening role of temperature in activation free energies and the prevalence of more complex transition states at low temperatures and high pressures. This work provides a foundation for further inquiry into the contributions of H-bonded methanol and methoxy species in homologation and hydrocarbon synthesis reactions from methanol.

Extraction of fucoxanthin from raw macroalgae excluding drying and cell wall disruption by liquefied dimethyl ether

Macroalgae are one of potential sources for carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, which are consumed by humans and animals. This carotenoid has been applied in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, extraction of fucoxanthin from wet brown seaweed Undaria pinnatifida (water content was 93.2%) was carried out with a simple method using liquefied dimethyl ether (DME) as an extractant in semi-continuous flow-type system. The extraction temperature and absolute pressure were 25 °C and 0.59 MPa, respectively. The liquefied DME was passed through the extractor that filled by U. pinnatifida at different time intervals. The time of experiment was only 43 min. The amount of fucoxanthin could approach to 390 μg/g dry of wet U. pinnatifida when the amount of DME used was 286 g. Compared with ethanol Soxhlet and supercritical CO₂ extraction, which includes drying and cell disruption, the result was quite high. Thus, DME extraction process appears to be a good method for fucoxanthin recovery from U. pinnatifida with improved yields.

Effects of Fuel Temperature on Injection Process and Combustion of Dimethyl Ether Engine

To investigate the effects of fuel temperature on the injection process in the fuel-injection pipe and the combustion characteristics of compression ignition (CI) engine, tests on a four stroke, direct injection dimethyl ether (DME) engine were conducted. Experimental results show that as the fuel temperature increases from 20 to 40 °C, the sound speed is decreased by 12.2%, the peak line pressure at pump and nozzle sides are decreased by 7.2% and 5.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the injection timing is retarded by 2.2 °CA and the injection duration is extended by 0.8 °CA. Accordingly, the ignition delay and the combustion duration are extended by 0.7 °CA and 4.0 °CA, respectively. The cylinder peak pressure is decreased by 5.4%. As a result, the effective thermal efficiency is decreased, especially for temperature above 40 °C. Before beginning an experiment, the fuel properties of DME, including the density, the bulk modulus, and the sound speed were calculated by "ThermoData." The calculated result of sound speed is consistent with the experimental results.

Sealed Gravitational Capillary Viscometry of Dimethyl Ether and Two Next-Generation Alternative Refrigerants

The viscosities of dimethyl ether (DME, C2H6O) and of the fluorinated propene isomers 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf, C3H2F4) and trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R1234ze(E)) were measured in a combined temperature range from 242 K to 350 K at saturated liquid conditions. The instrument was a sealed gravitational capillary viscometer developed at NIST for volatile liquids. Calibration and adjustment of the instrument constant were conducted with n-pentane. The repeatability of the measurements was found to be approximately 1.5 %, leading to a temperature-dependent estimated combined standard uncertainty of the experimental data between 5.7 % at 242 K for dimethyl ether and 2.6 % at 340 K for R1234yf. The measurements were supplemented by ab initio calculations of the molecular size, shape, and charge distributions of the measured compounds. The viscosity results for dimethyl ether were compared with literature data. One other data set measured with a sealed capillary viscometer and exceeding the present results by up to 7 % could be reconciled by applying the vapor buoyancy correction. Then, all data agreed within the estimated uncertainty of the present results. Viscosities for the fluorinated propene isomers deviate up to 4 % from values predicted with the NIST extended corresponding-states model. The viscosities of the two isomers do not scale with their dipole moments. While the measured viscosity of R1234ze(E) with the lower dipole moment is close to that of R134a, the refrigerant to be replaced, that of R1234yf with the higher dipole moment is up to 25 % lower. The viscosity of dimethyl ether is compared with those of water and methanol.