Wimmer (1992b) prepared methyl esters on a relatively small industrial scale by transesterifing glycerides with C1 - 5 alkanols or C2 - 5 alkoxyalkanols in the presence of basic catalysts. After the reaction was finished, 0.5-10% water or acid was added to neutralize the catalyst. Distillation of the ester phase after treatment with Fuller's earth or silica gel was optional.