Modeling transesterification reaction kinetics using fluorescence spectroscopy to interpret biodiesel production

Abstract In this work, the time dependence of the crude glycerol production was obtained experimentally in different reactions by fluorescence spectroscopy, and the curves were fitted by a new mathematical model, derived from rate equations, in order to elucidate the behavior of the compounds involved in transesterification reactions, including the speed and ester yield. The values were validated by comparison with the results of analyses performed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The fitting of the glycerol fluorescence signal as a function of time by the proposed theoretical model was shown to be highly suitable for indicating the time at which the reaction should be stopped, hence minimizing costs and the time required for biodiesel production.