Optimization of alkali-catalyzed transesterification of Pongamia
pinnata oil for production of biodiesel.

Meher LC, Dharmagadda VS, Naik SN.

Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of
Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, India.

Studies were carried out on transesterification of Karanja oil with
methanol for the production of biodiesel. The reaction parameters such
as catalyst concentration, alcohol/oil molar ratio, temperature, and
rate of mixing were optimized for production of Karanja oil methyl
ester (KOME). The fatty acid methyl esters content in the reaction
mixture were quantified by HPLC and (1)H NMR method. The yield of
methyl esters from Karanja oil under the optimal condition was 97-98%.
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