Synthesis and characterization of mono-acylglycerols through the glycerolysis of methyl esters obtained from linseed oil

• Published in: European journal of lipid science and technology Vol. 113; no. 12; pp. 1533 - 1540
• Main Authors: Schulz, Gracélie A. S., da Silveira, Kelly C., Libardi, Daniela B., Peralba, Maria do Carmo R., Samios, Dimitrios
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.12.2011; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Biodiesel; Biological and medical sciences; Fat industries; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Glycerolysis of biodiesel; Linseed oil; Mono-acylglycerols; Transesterification; Characterization; Oils and fats industry; Ester; Glycerolysis of biodiesel; Mono-acylglycerols; Alternative motor fuel; Linseed oil; Transesterification; Biodiesel
• ISSN: 1438-7697; 1438-9312
• DOI: 10.1002/ejlt.201100079

Here we investigate the production and characterization of mono‐acylglycerols through the glycerolysis of biodiesel, a methyl ester mixture, obtained from linseed oil. The biodiesel employed was derived from linseed oil through transesterification according to transesterification double step process 1. The efficiency of H2SO4, CaO, and NaOH as catalysts was evaluated for the production of mono‐acylglycerols. The glycerolysis reactions were performed by varying the molar ratio of the reagents (biodiesel:glycerol), the type and amount of catalyst, reaction time and temperature. Systematic evaluation of reaction yield is shown as a function of these parameters. Reaction products were characterized through IR spectroscopy, hydrogen NMR, and the GC techniques. The study of three different catalysts indicated that the most efficient was 5% NaOH in a 1:5 biodiesel–glycerol molar ratio with 10 h reaction time. The reaction reached a maximum of 85% biodiesel conversion with a mono‐acylglycerol yield of 72% at 130°C. The glycerolysis of biodiesel by H2SO4 (a), CaO (b), and NaOH (c).