The process of making biodiesel involves transesterification of vegetable oil with methanol using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst. However, this �simple� reaction is only one small part of a complex, interrelated, and inefficient overall process. To increase the efficiency of this reaction, boric acid and sodium borate were tested as transesterification catalysts, as well as for their ability to expedite the water wash stage of purification. NMR analysis of small scale reactions suggested that neither compound was an effective catalyst on its own or when added in conjunction with KOH. However, preliminary results suggest that boric acid may improve the efficiency of the water wash by KOH neutralization and glycerol extraction. We are currently evaluating the effect of KOH-borate additives on the reaction equilibrium and the effectiveness of acidic washing using aqueous boric acid.

Applying green chemistry principles in an investigation of alternative transesterification catalysts and wash methods in biodiesel production

247th National Meeting (2014)

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