Epoxidation of Camelina sativa oil methyl esters as a second-generation biofuel with thermodynamic calculations

The epoxidation of methyl esters found in Camelina sativa (CS) non-edible oil — largely containing unsaturated fatty acids — was performed. Epoxides are known to be used in biopolymer formation and CO2 capture. This study distinctively demonstrates epoxidation process through a combination of statistical methods and quantum chemical thermodynamic calculations. Esters produced along with glycerol during transesterification of vegetable oils can be used efficiently through epoxidation. Epoxidation products synthesized at various reaction conditions (including oil refinement) were analyzed through gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. According to the statistical analysis, the reaction time and temperature had the highest effect on the composition of products and oil refining is unnecessary. Moreover, iodine values (ester conversion) were determined without the use of chemicals through Raman spectroscopy. The study findings indicate CS epoxidation to be an environment-friendly process.