The current technologies for biodiesel production are based on
homogeneously catalyzed transesterification under basic conditions
(NaOH or KOH). Non-edible jatropha oil consists of high free
fatty acids (FFAs) content, is cheaper in prices as compared to edible
oil due to its inferior nutritional value, low market demand and
high availability. The conventional basic catalysts (NaOH and KOH)
are sensitive to high content of FFAs, which led to formation of soap
and complicates the product separation as well as reduces the
biodiesel content. Numerous studies have been carried out by using
two step acidebase catalyzed reactions. The first acid catalyzed
treatment is used to reduce FFA to