Organotin(IV) carboxylates as an effective catalyst for the conversion of corn oil into biodiesel

• Organotin(IV) carboxylates.
• Transesterification.
• Conversion of coin oil into biodiesel.

Biodiesel fuel has shown great promise as an alternative to petro-diesel fuel. Biodiesel production is widely conducted through transesterification reaction, catalyzed by homogeneous catalysts or heterogeneous catalysts. Fourteen new organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes were preliminary screened for their catalytic activity in transesterification. The transesterification reaction, which is a major path to produce biodiesel, occurs between the triglyceride vegetable oils with alcohols to form esters (biodiesel) and glycerol. The present investigation involves the production of environmental-friendly heterogeneous catalyst, organotin(IV) carboxylates, for biodiesel production from corn oil. 83% Conversion of corn oil into biodiesel was obtained in the presence of the synthesized catalysts. Therefore, the newly synthesized organotin(IV) carboxylate complexes can be used as one of the best catalysts in future for the biodiesel synthesis.

Environmental-friendly heterogeneous catalyst, organotin(IV) carboxylate compounds exhibit catalytic activity in the production of biodiesel from corn oil.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide