Transesterification of rapeseed oil in a feedback reactor

The methanolysis of rapeseed oil catalyzed by potassium hydroxide was studi ed in a feedback reactor with spectrophotometric indication. Through a comp arator this device can keep the transmittance of the reaction mixture durin g the whole reaction at a constant value. The actual values of transmittanc e of the reaction mixture, reaction time and amounts of added solution of K OH in methanol were collected and saved on a PC. The concentrations of free fatty acids, unreacted oil and potassium hydroxide in the methyl ester pha se were determined.