Vetzuurmethylesters

Vetzuurmethylesters, known in English as fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), are the methyl esters of fatty acids. They are commonly produced by transesterification of triglycerides with methanol in the presence of a catalyst, yielding glycerol as a byproduct and a mixture of methyl esters that reflect the fatty acids present in the starting fats or oils.

In industry, FAMEs are most widely used as biodiesel components. The resulting fuel consists of a blend of fatty acid methyl esters derived from vegetable or animal fats and must meet regional fuel standards (such as EN 14214 or ASTM D6751). FAMEs are also used as analytical standards for determining fatty acid composition via gas chromatography after converting fats to methyl esters.

Composition and properties depend on chain length (typically C4 to C24) and the degree of unsaturation. These factors influence cetane number, viscosity, and oxidative stability. FAMEs are usually liquids at room temperature, with chromatographic profiles enabling identification and quantification in analytical applications.

Safety and regulation: Methanol-handling hazards apply to the production process; the esters themselves are typically of low acute toxicity and are biodegradable. Biodiesel standards regulate purity, ester content, sulfur, and glycerol content to ensure performance and emissions characteristics.

Research directions include improving transesterification efficiency, exploring enzymatic methods, and diversifying feedstocks to enhance sustainability and reduce methanol use.