Supported Ionic Liquid Enzymatic Catalysis for the Production of Biodiesel

Pseudomonas cepacia lipase supported in the 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid is an alternative “green” method for the production of biodiesel from the alcoholysis of soybean oil. The transesterification reaction catalyzed by this ionic liquid‐supported enzyme can be performed at room temperature, in the presence of water and without the use of organic solvents. It is also compatible with various alcohols (including isoamyl alcohol). The biodiesel is separated by simple decantation and the recovered ionic liquid/enzyme catalytic system can be re‐used at least four times without loss of catalytic activity and selectivity.