Obtaining and Characterization of Biodiesel from Castor Oil (Ricinus communis) and Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Grown in Tabasco, Mexico
María Juana García Marín, Francisco Prieto García

Abstract
The use of biodiesel represents a much lower environmental impact caused by the petroleum diesel. It offers a high lubricity to engines extending its useful life, non-toxic and readily biodegradable. In the present work were two transesterification reactions to compare and choose the best result, the first from castor oil (Ricinus communis) and the second with sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus), with sodium hydroxide catalyst and as a basis for carrying out the reaction, methanol. According to the results showed that the best in quality is the sunflower oil, but in performance of biodiesel obtained is castor oil. Both products were characterized by instrumental techniques confirming its quality. In conclusion, we considered it better to use castor oil for its ease of production and is not used in the State of Tabasco.

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