Kinetics of Triazabicyclodecene-Catalyzed Canola Oil Conversion to Glycerol-free Biofuel Using Dimethyl Carbonate

In this study, transesterification kinetics of canola oil with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was investigated, intending to produce glycerol-free biofuel using triazabicyclodecene (TBD) as a catalyst. The triglyceride/DMC reaction in a stirred batch reactor produces a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and fatty acid glycerol carbonates (FAGCs), which are soluble in FAMEs and can then be used as a motor fuel. The main factors affecting the yield of biofuel, such as the molar ratio of oil/DMC, catalyst loading, reaction temperature, and reaction time, are discussed. A reaction mechanism has been proposed for the TBD-catalyzed transesterification. For the conversion of triglycerides, a second-order reaction rate with rate constants of 1.09 x 10(-2), 1.65 x 10(-2), and 2.30 x 10(-2) L mol(-1) min(-1) at 50, 60, and 70 degrees C, respectively, was determined from the regression of the experimental data. The corresponding value of activation energy was 36.36 kJ mol(-1). The maximum yield of 97.99% from transesterification of canola oil was obtained within 120 min.