Efficacy of Catalysts in the Batch Esterification of the Fatty Acids of Thevetia Peruviana Seed Oil

Abstract

The methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl esters of the fatty acids of Thevetia peruviana seed oil were successfully prepared by the batch-esterification procedures. Various acid catalyst and various molar ratios of fatty acid to alcohol were investigated. H3PO4 was found to be ineffective to catalyze the esterification of the free fatty acid. HCl gas and conc. H2SO4 both proved very effective in catalyzing the reaction. Concentrated H2SO4 however, proved better of the two acids. Three molar ratios 1:1, 1:3 and 1:10 were investigated, 1:3 molar ratio of the free fatty acid to the alcohol was found to be the most efficient. (Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2003 7(1): 15-18)