A new kind of silicon-based biological lubricating base oil with good viscosity-temperature behavior, viscosity index, thermostability, oxidation stability and wear resistance performance was synthesized as a derivative of methyl oleate. Trimethylsilylation reaction was introduced to further improve methyl oleate oxidation stability and lubricity after epoxidation and open-ring reactions. The order of effectiveness of acid binding agent was N,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIEA) > pyridine > diethylamine > triethylamine, and the effects of various parameters on the trimethylsilylation reaction as well as on the silicon-oxygen bond stability and reaction yield were studied. A maximum yield of 34.54% was achieved at hydroxyl/trimethyl chlorosilane/DIEA molar ratio of 1:1.25:1, reaction temperature 40 degrees C, reaction time 1.5 h. (C) 2016 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.