Abstract

VIEIRA, A. P. de A.; DA SILVA, M. A. P.  and  LANGONE, M. A. P.. Biodiesel production via esterification reactions catalyzed by lipase. Lat. Am. appl. res. [online]. 2006, vol.36, n.4, pp.283-288. ISSN 0327-0793.

The synthesis of ethyl hexadecanoate was carried out by esterification of palmitic acid with ethanol in a solvent-free system. A commercial immobilized lipase (Lipozyme RM-IM) was mixed with the reagents, in a 15 mL closed batch reactor with constant stirring and coupled with a condenser. The effects of palmitic acid/ethanol molar ratio (0.16 to 1.84), reaction temperature (65 to 75^oC) and enzyme concentration (0.48 to 5.52% w/w) on the initial reaction rate of ethyl hexadecanoate were determined using central composite design 2³ with six central points. Statistical analysis indicated that the enzyme concentration and palmitic acid/ethanol molar ratio had been found to be the most significant variables affecting the initial reaction rate. The best result was obtained under the following experimental conditions: palmitic acid/ethanol molar ratio of 0.50, temperature of 67^oC, and enzyme concentration of 4.50% (w/w).

Keywords : Biodiesel; Esterification; Lipase.

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