In another thread there has been a discussion of biology-based hydrocarbons as lubricants. I have seen several attempts at Enviro-lubes that are currently commercially available. This stuff may or may not eventually make it in the market. However, biology can be engineered to make hydrocarbons - fairly efficiently. Is the cost of synthetics (especially esters) due to the cost of starting materials or the synthesis/purification of final products? My assumption is that the cost of starting materials has been an impediment in this field. Anyone know if my assumption is correct?