Natural oils can be transformed into biodiesel in the form of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) through transesterification. Currently, catalysts such as NaOH or H2SO4 are capable of converting oils into biodiesel, however using these systems produce large amounts of wastewater and the catalysts are not reusable. Recoverable catalysts that transesterify unpurified oils have economical and environmental advantages. Zinc (Zn), a recoverable catalyst, was tested with iodine (I2), as a co-catalyst for the transesterification of olive oil into FAMEs. Experiments were conducted for an allotted time at 60 �C comparing different sources of Zn and concentrations of I2. FAME production was monitored by TLC and purity was verified by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Transesterification with Zn/I<sub>2</sub> as catalysts for biodiesel production

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Transesterification with Zn/I2 as catalysts for biodiesel production

Transesterification with Zn/I₂ as catalysts for biodiesel production