Thin Layer Chromatography as Innovative Technique for Qualitative Characterization of Biodiesel Produced by Esterification

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of the thin layer chromatography technique (TLC), using the iodine vapor visualization method, for identification and preliminary characterization of biodiesel produced by esterification. The esterification reaction was performed at constant temperature of 65 °C for 2 hours, using dimethyl sulfate as alkylating agent and dodecanoic acid as oleaginous raw material. The chromatographic plate was subjected to the method of revelation after adding 5 µL of a sample of fatty acid and biodiesel on the chromatographic vessel. The indication of biodiesel formation was obtained by calculating the retention factor (Rf) and validated by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (H 1 NMR). The Rf values and of the region of peaks of chemical functions were identical to those found in other studies, which allowed to confirm the formation of biodiesel. It can be concluded that TLC can be used as an innovative technique for preliminary qualitative characterization of biodiesel formation by esterification.

Improvement of the production of bio-oil and biodiesel from Egyptian Jatropha seeds by using microwave and ultrasonic

“…It is chemically known as fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) 3 . Diesel fuel is the most consumed fuel to fossil fuel in the world compared to other types of fuel 4 . Biodiesel is an important alternative fuel to fossil fuel 5 .…”