The mixture of Mahua oil (100 g), ethanol (20:1 molar ratio with Mahua oil) and sulfuric acid (5% w/w) is to be boiled in a reaction chamber fitted with condenser at a temperature range of 72–75C for 5 h. Then the top layer is separated and washed with alkali solution (saturated calcium carbonate solution) to reduce the pH to neutral. The ester is then washed with salt water (5% NaCl solution) and the product is dried at 110C in an oven for an hour to remove the traces of moisture. The comparison of MOEE with diesel in terms of engine performance and emission shows better results. The MOEE is found to burn more efficiently than diesel. The emission of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen and smoke are decreased by 58, 63, 12 and 70%, respectively, in comparison with diesel suggesting that MOEE can be used as a substitute for diesel in diesel engine. With regards to other oils considerable research has been done on vegetable oils as diesel fuel. That research included palm oil, soybean oil, sunfower oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil and tung oil. Animal fats, although mentioned frequently, have not been studied to the same extent as vegetable oils. Some methods applicable to vegetable oils are not applicable to animal fats because of natural property diferences. Oil from algae, bacteria and fungi also have been investigated. Microalgae have been examined as a source of methyl ester diesel fuel. Terpenes and latexes also were studied as diesel fuels.
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