Monoglyceride synthesis on solid bases

C FERRETTI; R.N. OLCESE; C.R. APESTEGUÍA; J.I. DI COSIMO

Genova, Italy

Congreso; 6th World Congress on Catalysis by Acids and Bases; 2009

Glycerol is the main byproduct of biodiesel production. Nowadays, due to the large glycerol surplus, new ideas to convert glycerol in more valuable compounds are needed. Monoglyceride (MG) synthesis by glycerol (Gly) transesterification with fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), Figure 1, is an attractive option to transform this biomass-derived compound into fine chemicals. MG´s are used as surfactants in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Currently, this process is promoted by corrosive, nonrecyclable liquid mineral bases. Then, the use of a solid base catalyst would present several technological and environmental advantages. In this paper, the solid base-catalyzed transesterification of Gly with methyl oleate was studied using MgO-based catalysts and Y2O3.