Transesterification of castor oil with trimethylchlorosilane: simultaneous formation of fatty acid alkyl esters and alpha-monochlorohydrin

The reaction between castor oil and various alcohols in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane (TMSCl) as acidic mediator provides two remarkable one pot reactions: transesterification of triglycerides, relevant to BioDiesel production, and chlorination of glycerol, with formation of a-monochlorohydrin as the predominant product, relevant to the synthesis of epoxide resins. The reaction has been thoroughly investigated to optimize the reaction conditions and separation of the products obtained in good yields. This synthesis represents a highly sustainable production of industrial commodities from available biomass.