Abstract
Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, by means of a transesterification process in which triacylglycerols are transformed into smaller molecules of esters of fatty acids and glycerol. The transesterification reactions of ‘Gefner’ atemoya (Annona squamosa × A. cherimola) seed oil extracted by pressing (physical) and solvent (chemical) processes were studied, with analysis of the methyl esters produced. The reactions were monitored using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), as well as by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The methyl esters formed during the transesterification reaction with methanol were determined for each oil. The major methyl esters (16:0, 18:0, 18:1 and 18:2) formed during 50 min of reaction were similar to those reported in the literature for other biodiesels; the peak areas and retention times were also similar. No changes in signal intensity over time were observed for the oils obtained by the two extraction methods. It was also noted that the extraction method had no influence on the types of methyl esters formed during biodiesel production. Key words: Annona, oil extraction, transesterification.
Highlights
Biodiesel is derived from renewable sources, such as vegetable oils, by means of a transesterification process in which triacylglycerols are transformed into smaller molecules of esters of fatty acids and glycerol
It was noted that the extraction method had no influence on the types of methyl esters formed during biodiesel production
Biodiesel consists of mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, obtained by a transesterification process in which triglycerides are transformed into smaller molecules of fatty acid esters and glycerol
Summary
Biodiesel consists of mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids derived from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, obtained by a transesterification process in which triglycerides are transformed into smaller molecules of fatty acid esters and glycerol. Its use is intended to replace fossil fuels in diesel engines. It has promising potential, for its important contribution to reducing environmental pollution, and for the generation of renewable energy as a replacement for fossil diesel and other petroleum products (Pinto et al, 2005). The USA is the global leader, with production of 5.1 million m3 in 2013, followed by Germany and Brazil, with production of 3.6 and 3.0 million m3 of biodiesel, respectively (Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), 2013). Biodiesel can be used to partially or totally replace mineral diesel for light vehicles, trucks, tractors, and generators. In Brazil, the biodiesel mixture has been regulated by law since 2008. The mandatory mixture was 2%, and it has been progressively increased to 5% (Kohlhepp, 2010)
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