The conversion of triglycerides to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs or biodiesel) and glycerin triacetate (triacetin) by acid catalyzed ester interconversion may improve upon the overall yields of biofuel afforded by traditional transesterification processes. Traditional production of biodiesel <i>via</i> base catalyzed methanolysis generates about twenty percent (by volume) glycerin in the product mixture, which is not usable as a diesel fuel. Acid catalyzed ester interconversion in methyl acetate produces FAMEs and triacetin – an additive used to improve the cold weather performance of diesel fuels. This approach, therefore, is more favorable from an atom economy perspective because the glycerin by-product, as triacetin, is incorporated into the fuel mixture.<br/><br/>Because of the presence of several different fatty acid residues, the kinetics of this process, when applied to naturally occurring oils, is quite complex. In order to eliminate these variables, this investigation examines the process under more controlled conditions by using commercially available triglycerides that feature identical fatty acid side chains. Thus, the production of biodiesel by acid mediated ester interconversion in terms of its mechanism, kinetics, and overall viability will be discussed by delving into reactions involving the transformation of the synthetic triglycerides trilaurin, tripalmitin, and triolein to the corresponding FAMEs and triacetin. Also, as an extension of this work, the depolymerization of polyesters to give the corresponding methyl and acetate esters will be presented.

Methyl ester production by acid-catalyzed ester interconversion processes

251st National Meeting (2016)

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