Biodiesel preparation from transesterification of glycerol trioleate catalyzed by basic ionic liquids

In the present study, the transesterification of glycerol trioleate was carried out over a basic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide ([Bmim]OH) and an 87.2% yield of methyl ester was achieved. The product was isolated through simple decantation from the biphasic system due to the immiscibility of [Bmim]OH with ester. [Bmim]OH can be easily recovered and reused six times without dramatic decrease in ester yield.