ABSTRACT:
In this study, a base catalyst was used for the biodiesel synthesis via esterification method using palmitic and oleic acid. By varying the parameters such as catalyst weight, reaction time and temperature, the maximum conversion (98%) of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was obtained. The product was analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR. The result shows that the characteristic peak of methoxy protons was observed as a singlet at 3.65 ppm and a triplet of a-CH2 protons at 2.27 ppm. 13C NMR analysis indicates the conversion of palmitic acid and oleic acid into methyl palmitate and methyl oleate by the emergence of the resonance signal at 51.24 ppm in methyl ester due to methoxy carbon. These two peaks are the distinct peaks for the confirmation of methyl esters present in biodiesel. The shifting of absorption peaks of the acid to methyl ester were at 1748, 1377, 1157, 1026 and 856 cm-1 to 1742, 1361, 1168, 1015 and 878 cm-1, respectively. From this investigation, MgO is a promising base catalyst for the esterification of palmitic acid and oleic acid to biodiesel and it would be alternate catalyst for the production of petro products.