Application of organo-tin based complexes in transesterification reaction for biodiesel production- A review

Abstract

The primary energy source utilized worldwide is derived from fossil fuels. Among all fields, the transportation sector accounts 54% of total energy consumption. The overuse and scarcity of fossil fuels demand the researchers to seek out a sustainable energy source. Among various renewable resources like solar, water, wind etc., biofuel is also an alternative pollution free energy source. Biodiesel are the fatty acid of methyl esters obtained from animal fat or vegetable oil. To achieve a similar viscosity as petrodiesel, the raw oil or fat is trans esterified to biodiesel. Transesterification is a well-known chemical process wherein the reaction takes place between oil and alcohol, facilitated by the presence of acid or base catalysts. Although the base catalyst has a high conversion rate, soap is generated as a by-product. As a result, acid catalysts are a feasible alternative source for transesterification, but with lower conversion and a high corrosion rate. As traditional acid catalysts, organotin catalysts possess good Lewis acidic character for the production of biodiesel. In this study, we have studied how different substituents on organotin (IV) complexes influence the catalytic activity in biodiesel production as well as in converting by-products of biodiesel into value added products.