A novel and robust homogeneous supported catalyst for biodiesel production

•A homogeneous supported catalyst based on Zn(II) was prepared.•The catalyst is able to promote esterification and transesterification of acidic vegetable oils.•The catalyst can be easily recovered and recycled.

A homogeneous supported catalyst based on Zn(II) was prepared by anchoring complex [Zn(OAc)2(N,N′-chelate)] on silica, where N,N′-chelate is a suitably functionalised di-imine ligand. The complex was able to promote the esterification and transesterification of acidic vegetable oils at 160 °C within two hours. The catalyst could be also easily recovered and immediately re-cycled.