Mgo Catalysed Triglyceride Transesterification for Biodiesel Synthesis

A series of MgO catalysts have been prepared by calcination of (MgCO₃)₄·Mg(OH)₂ and these have been found to be effective for the transesterification of triglycerides with methanol at 200 °C. The calcination temperature controls the surface area, porosity and the surface structure and we observe that the optimal calcination temperature is in the range 550-700 °C as this provides a balance between high surface area, and hence high concentration of active sites, and the pore structure which permits access of the reactants. Using appropriate conditions conversions in excess of 98% could be obtained. Graphical Abstract [graphic removed]