The kinetics of the esterification reaction between castor oil and oleic acid

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, esterification of castor oil with oleic acid was investigated in view of the reaction kinetics under various conditions. Potassium hydroxide,p‐toluenesulfonic acid and tin chloride (SnCl22H2O) were used as catalysts. Reaction was carried out at 200°C, 225°C and 250° C by using equivalent proportions of the reactants. For tin chloride, experimental data fitted the second‐order rate equation, while for the other catalysts the obtained data fitted the third‐order rate equation.