Determination of reaction orders for the transesterification of canola oil with methanol by using KOH/MgO as a heterogeneous catalyst

The reaction orders with respect to the reactants were determined for the reaction of canola oil with methanol catalyzed by KOH/MgO. The method of initial rates was used to determine the reaction rate. The experiments were carried out with different initial concentrations of methanol and canola oil. A very good correlation was found between the experimental and calculated reaction rates using the proposed equation. The reaction rate equations derived from Eley–Rideal and Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanisms were discussed. As a result, the orders of reaction respect to both oil and methanol are concordant with the suggestion that the reaction takes place both homogeneously and heterogeneously.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights▸ The reaction orders with respect to the reactants were determined. ▸ The method of initial rates was used to determine the reaction rate. ▸ The proposed Power Law rate equation fits very well with experimental observations. ▸ The results support the validity of Eley–Rideal mechanism.