Etherification of biodiesel-derived glycerol with ethanol for fuel formulation over sulfonic modified catalysts

► We study the production of ethyl ethers of glycerol over acid catalysts. ► There is a great interaction among temperature, molar ratio and catalyst loading. ► Arenesulfonic silica is a good catalyst for etherification of glycerol with ethanol. ► Using low-grade water-containing glycerol shows similar results.