Transesterification of preheated coconut oil catalyzed by Novozym® 435: potential source of biofuel

Abstract

Coconut oil preheated to 180 and 250°C was subjected to transesterification reaction in the presence of ethanol, catalyzed by Novozym® 435. Preheating did not change the density, viscosity, and composition of the oil. When the reaction was performed at 70°C, approximately 74% of the organic phase rich in fatty acid ester was obtained in 8h of reaction. A decrease in acid value was also observed as the transesterification reaction progressed. The pace of the reaction was much slower when the reaction was performed at room temperature. Approximately 70% organic phase was collected after 7 days of reaction. Novozym® 435 could be recycled 3 times to perform the transesterification reaction. The amount of glycerol produced by Novozym® 435 in the 2nd cycle was comparable to that produced by the fresh beads.