Purification of glycerol from biodiesel production by sequential extraction monitored by 1H NMR

•Glycerin purification method yields 99.2% pure glycerin.•Purification method happens at lower temperature than vacuum distillation.•Lower risk of material decomposition and less dangerous operations are achieved.

The purification of raw glycerin in biodiesel production can provide economic benefits and help to avoid residue accumulation, thus reducing environmental impacts. In this work, the glycerin obtained from biodiesel production by catalytic transesterification of waste cooking oil was purified by sequential extraction with organic solvents, followed by discoloration with activated coal and monitoring by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Through sequential extraction with petroleum ether and toluene, in that order, followed by discoloration with activated carbon, 99.2% pure glycerin was obtained. This technique is shown to allow for glycerin purification using less drastic or hazardous conditions than those commonly applied in vacuum distillation.