Synthesis of oxygenated fuel additives via the solventless etherification of glycerol

► The solvent free etherification of glycerol was performed under homogeneous catalysis condition. ► LiOH presented better catalytic activity than NaOH, KOH and Na2CO3. ► Glycerol conversion was 100% with a selectivity of 33% to diglycerol. ► The best reaction conditions were; T = 240 °C, time = 6 h, catalyst loading = 2 wt% with no solvent usage.