Novel supramolecular alkaline ionic liquids–catalyzed heterogeneous transesterification of Xanthium sibiricum Patr oil to biodiesel

ABSTRACT

Using β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) as raw material, [β-CD-2-C₃Im]⁺[OH]^– and [β-CD-6-C₃Im]⁺[OH]^– ionic liquids were prepared, and further applied for biodiesel production. The results showed that the catalytic activity of [β-CD-6-C₃Im]⁺[OH]⁻ (6-ILs) was higher than that of [β-CD-2-C₃Im]⁺[OH]⁻ (2-ILs) because 6-ILs had larger specific surface area and higher base strength. Systematic studies indicated that the interaction of between cyclodextrin cavity and triglyceride molecules affected the role of basic active sites for the ester groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Cyclodextrin
• heterogeneous catalysis
• ionic liquids
• transesterification
• Xanthium sibiricum Patr

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (number 21576059), Guizhou Provincial, State, University S&T Technology Joint Fund Program (numbers LH [2015]7762, LH [2015]7752) and BS201505, Talents Program of Guizhou Provincial Education Department (number [2012]099).

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (number 21576059), Guizhou Provincial, State, University S&T Technology Joint Fund Program (numbers LH [2015]7762, LH [2015]7752) and BS201505, Talents Program of Guizhou Provincial Education Department (number [2012]099).