| abstract |
In a method of producing a fatty acid lower alkylester according to the invention, a fat & oil and a lower alcohol are caused to react with each other in the presence of a catalyst, in which triglyceride contained in the fat & oil undergoes a transesterification. The catalyst to be used in the reaction is a solid basic catalyst consisting essentially of a potassium compound and iron oxide, of a calcium compound and iron oxide, or of a potassium compound and zirconium oxide. It is possible to produce the fatty acid lower alkylester at a high reaction efficiency by this method as well as to simplify or eliminate the need of catalyst separation and recovery processes. |