Non-edible babassu oil as a new source for energy production-a feasibility transesterification survey assisted by ultrasound.

Ethyl esters of babassu oil were synthesized by alkaline catalysis to make the green production of biodiesel feasible with simple methods and available technology. Babassu oil is a transparent, light yellow oil extracted from the seeds of the babassu palm (Orbinya sp), and due to its high saturated fatty acid composition (83%), it is considered a non-inedible oil. Transesterification using ethanol represents a valid alternative to using methanol because of ethanol's lower toxicity and the higher yield on weight compared to methanol.