Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), sometimes referred to as methyl esters are compounds typically derived by transesterification, and are the primary constituent of the biodiesel process. While most methyl esters begin from vegetable feedstock such as soybean oil, canola oil, or palm kernel oil, there are also varieties derived from tallow.

Methyl esters exhibit a “green” chemistry profile: they are biodegradable, produce low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are non-toxic. Functionally, they can replace solvents which demonstrate a less favorable environmental profile or exposure hazards. Methyl esters exhibit a high boiling point, good lubricity, and excellent solubility in organic solvents. These versatile products can be used in lubricants, metalworking fluids, agriculture, surfactants, polymers, coatings, cleaners, emulsifiers, solvents, and food applications.