Chitosan and N-Alkyl chitosan as a heterogeneous based catalyst in the transesterification reaction of used cooking oil

Abstract

This paper explains the result of research on the use of chitosan and N-alkyl chitosan (N-methyl chitosan, N-isopropyl chitosan) as a heterogeneous base catalyst in the transesterification reaction of used cooking oil. N-methyl chitosan and N-isopropyl chitosan synthesized by reacting chitosan with formaldehyde and acetone successively forming Schiff bases were then reduced using NaBH4. Then chitosan, N-methyl chitosan, N-isopropyl chitosan are used as heterogeneous catalysts in the transesterification reaction of used cooking oil. The results show that inclusion of alkyl groups to the chitosan structure leads to increase the amount of base in which chitosan, N-methyl chitosan, and N-isopropyl chitosan are 0.066 mole.g-1, 0.0068 mole.g-1, 0.0070 mole.g-1 respectively. It is also evident from the increasing yield of methyl esters. N-isopropyl chitosan gives the greatest content of methyl esters yield.