Correlation between the chemical structure of biodiesel and its physical properties

Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable, environmentally benign, energy efficient, substitution fuel which can fulfill energy security needs without sacrificing engine’s operational performance. Thus it provides a feasible solution to the twin crises of fossil fuel depletion and environmental degradation. The properties of the various individual fatty esters that comprise biodiesel determine the overall properties of the biodiesel fuel. In turn, the properties of the various fatty esters are determined by the structural features of the fatty acid and the alcohol moieties that comprise a fatty ester. Better understanding of the structure-physical property relationships in fatty acid esters is of particular importance when choosing vegetable oils that will give the desired biodiesel quality. By having accurate knowledge of the influence of the molecular structure on the properties determined, the composition of the oils and the alcohol used can both be selected to give the optimal performance. In this paper the relationship between the chemical structure and physical properties of vegetable oil esters is reviewed and engineering fatty acid profiles to optimize biodiesel fuel characteristics is highlighted.