Sodium and Potassium Methylate
Sodium and potassium methylate are efficient and reliable catalysts that provide a sustainable solution for the production and use of biodiesel, meeting the requirements of engine manufacturers for high-quality fuels and lower emissions. Both products support higher yields and low preparation cost for biodiesel and are produced at BASF's Ludwigshafen Verbund site. Sodium methylate is also produced in Guaratinguetá, Brazil.
BASF supplies customers with catalysts for the production of biodiesel. A 30 % sodium methylate solution in methanol is the most commonly used catalyst. The 32 % potassium methylate solution is used in the transesterification of special oils and greases.
Transesterification
can only take place once catalysts are present. They allow the triglycerides to
be split and biodiesel to be produced cost-effectively. They are used in methanol as fully
formulated solutions.
Sodium and potassium methylate are also offered in crystal form for life science and other chemical processes.
Sodium Ethylate
Sodium ethylate (solution or crystals) is primarily used in the life sciences industry as a strong base for deprotonation and as a (trans)-esterification catalyst. It is also used for the manufacture of APIs, Omega-3 fatty acids, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.
