Effects of microwave irradiation on triglyceride transesterification: Experimental and theoretical studies

An improved reaction rate of biodiesel fuel formation was observed under microwave irradiation. Such irradiation is effective for not only heating during the reaction but also preheating. The advantages observed in this study suggest that a continuous process, that is, the introduction of reactant preheated by microwave irradiation into reactor will be feasible. The reasons for the improved reaction rate are explained through the use of optimized structures, dipole moments, IR spectra and activation energies obtained using molecular orbital calculations. Planar triolein formed by microwave irradiation has higher reactivity, a lower dipole moment, a lower activation energy and stronger vibration around the carboxyl carbon, and is more reactive than triolein with a higher dipole moment.

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► Preheating and maintaining a continuous temperature using microwave irradiation improve the reactivity of triolein.
► The improved reaction rate can be explained through the use of optimized structures, dipole moments and activation energies obtained using molecular orbital calculations.
► Conformational isomer formed by microwave irradiation shows stronger vibration around the carboxyl carbon.