Synthesis of biodiesel from soybean oil using supercritical methanol in a one-step catalyst-free process in batch reactor

The transesterification of soybean oil with supercritical methanol in a batch reactor with no added catalyst was investigated, studying the evolution of intermediate products (monoglycerides and diglycerides) as well as the conversion of triglycerides and the yield of fatty acid methyl esters and glycerol. Experiments were carried out in a temperature range of 250–350 °C (12–43 MPa) at reaction times of between 15 and 90 min for a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 43:1. The best reaction conditions in this one-step supercritical process (325 °C/35 MPa and 60 min), in which triglyceride conversion was practically total, led to a maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters of 84%. In these conditions an 8.1 wt% of monoglycerides and diglycerides remained in the medium. Although the use of more severe reaction conditions (longer reaction times and higher temperatures) reduced the content of these glycerides, the yield of methyl esters decreased due to their thermal decomposition.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► An 84% maximum yield of FAME was reached during the one-step supercritical process. ► The best conditions for maximum yield of FAME were 325 °C (35 MPa) and 60 min. ► In the best reaction conditions 8 wt% of mono and diglycerides remained in the medium. ► At least 5.3 wt% of glycerides remained in the medium above 325 °C and 60 min. ► The amount of degradation products significantly increased above 325 °C and 60 min.