Enhanced Biodiesel Production From Jojoba Oil Alkyl Esters: Synthesis, Characterization, and Fuel Performance Assessment With Blends of Ultra‐Low Sulfur Diesel ( <scp>ULSD</scp> , a Desulfurized Form of Conventional Diesel)

ABSTRACT Jojoba oil ( Simmondsia chinensis L.) is a non‐edible feedstock rich in long‐chain wax esters (50–60 wt%), offering an alternative to food‐based oils for biodiesel production. In this study, various jojoba oil alkyl esters—including methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and 2‐ethylhexyl—were synthesized to evaluate how ester head group structure affects critical fuel properties such as kinematic viscosity, cold flow behavior, acid value, and lubricity. These esters were compared to soybean oil alkyl esters and assessed against ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 biodiesel standards. Jojoba oil alkyl esters exhibited superior low‐temperature performance and lubricity but generally higher viscosities than soybean oil alkyl esters. Blends of jojoba oil alkyl esters with ultra‐low sulfur diesel (ULSD, a desulfurized form of conventional petroleum diesel) at 5% and 20% (B5 and B20) improved cold flow properties compared to pure ULSD and soybean oil alkyl ester blends. Among the esters, 2‐ethylhexyl esters of jojoba oil demonstrated the most favorable cold flow characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of jojoba oil as a sustainable biodiesel feedstock that enhances fuel performance while addressing food versus fuel concerns.