Shiff base complexes of zinc(II) as catalysts for biodiesel production

New zinc(II) compounds containing functionalized Schiff bases have been prepared and characterized. The complexes catalyze the transesterification of soybean oil in mild conditions, and their activity can be modulated by a fine selection of the anions and/or of the substituents on the ancillary bidentate ligand. The compounds are active in the esterification of fatty acids and could therefore also be used to produce biodiesel from waste oils.

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► Zinc(II) complexes catalyze transesterification of soybean oil in mild conditions.
► Catalytic activity modulated by anions and substituents on bidentate ligand.
► The complexes are also active in esterification of fatty acids.