3.2.1. The mechanism and kinetics
Transesterification consists of a number of consecutive, reversible reactions (Schwab et al., 1987; Freedman et al., 1986). The triglyceride is converted stepwise to diglyceride, monoglyceride and finally glycerol (Fig. 3). A mole of ester is liberated at each step. The reactions are reversible, although the equilibrium lies towards the production of fatty acid esters and glycerol.