Alkaline in situ ethanolysis of Jatropha curcas

► We study in situ ethanolysis of Jatropha curcas using base-catalysts. ► The reaction reachs equilibrium condition within 2 h using sodium-base catalyst. ► Maximum conversion is obtained at catalyst concentration of 2 wt.% except KOH. ► Biodiesel yield does not significantly affected by increasing reaction temperature. ► Sodium methoxide promotes the reaction faster than that of NaOH and KOH.