Sr/MgO catalysts for biodiesel production were synthesized by the wet impregnation method. The formation
of basic sites on the catalysts was investigated by thermal analysis, XRD, and Hammett indicator
method. The calcination temperature and Sr/MgO molar ratio affect the structure as well as the catalytic
activities. Among the catalysts tested, the best performance catalyst was prepared with a 0.10 Sr/MgO
molar ratio and a calcination temperature of 600 C. This catalyst had a base strength in the range of
15.0–18.4 and was also active for biodiesel synthesis at room temperature. The catalytic activities under
various reaction variables were also evaluated. The biodiesel yield of 93% was achieved within 30 min
from the transesterification of soybean oil with methanol at 65 C using 5 wt.% loading of the synthesized
catalyst and methanol to oil molar ratio of 12:1.