The fossil fuel resources are dwindling day by day. Fuel has been a challenge for today’s scientific works for increasing demand. The methyl esters of vegetable oils, known as biodiesel are becoming increasingly well known because of their low environmental impact. Methyl esters of Pongamiapinnata are derived through esterification and transesterification. Several processes of biodiesel fuel production has been developed, among which transesterification using alkali as a catalyst gives high level of conversion of triglycerides to their corresponding methyl ester in a short duration. Amount of solvent, catalyst, temperature and reaction time were optimizedfor estimates the conversion efficiency. The physical properties of Karanja seed oil (KSO) and biodiesel were studied and compared with standard. FTIR and TGA spectrums of KSO and KSO Biodiesel were studied for the confirmation of conversion.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 52(1), 15-20, 2017

Biodiesel derived from non edible sources is a potential eco-friendly substitute to petroleum fuel. Acid-catalysed esterification was applied to reduce free fatty acid (FFA) content of oil to zero followed by base-catalyzed transesterification to convert esterified product to its mono-esters and glycerol. The major factors affecting the conversion efficiency of these two processes such as amounts of solvent and catalyst, reaction temperature, and reaction time were optimized. The physical properties and heating value of Mahogany Seed Oil (MSO) and MSO diesel are evaluated and compared with that of commercial diesel. FTIR and 1H NMR spectrum of MSO and MSO biodiesel confirmed the conversion of MSO to biodiesel. The oxidation stability of MSO biodiesel oil was also studied. The study affirms the production of biodiesel from MSO as a renewable alternative to the diesel fuel.