Synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters by transesterification reaction using basic catalyst

In recent years, biodiesel, which is defined as fatty acid alkyl esters, an alternative, cheap and eco-friendly fuel has attracted considerable interest by researchers. Fatty acid methyl esters, which are renewable and alternative fuels for fossil fuels, will be one of the most important fuels in the future. Transesterification reaction plays an important role for the synthesis of fatty acid methyl esters. In this study, we used LiNO3/MgO as a catalyst which was synthesized at different ratios. These catalyst was tested with canola oil and alcohol in transesterification reaction. In addition, optimum reaction conditions were determined in the transesterification reaction, by changing different parameters, such as alcohol/oil ratio, type of alcohol, type of oil, catalyst amount and reaction time. Fatty acid methyl esters obtained in this study, were characterized using ATR-IR and 1H-NMR.