The synthesis of glycerol mono oleic from oleic acid and glycerol is classified as an esterification reaction. This research is aimed to study the influent of reaction temperature and catalyst concentration on reaction conversion. During the experiment the temperature of reaction mixture was varied as 110 oC, 130 oC, and 150 oC, while the catalyst concentration of 1%, 3 %, and 5% was used. The batch experiment was conducted in a glass reactor equipped with termometer, agitator, and reflux condensor. The oleic acid – glycerol mol ratio of 1 : 2 was used as a mixture feed. To maintain the reaction temperature at certain level, the oil bath was used. After the temperature of reaction mixture was reached the expected value, then H2SO4 catalyst was added to the reactor. To measure the extent of the reaction, every 30 minutes the sample was drawn out from the reactor vessel. The sample analysis include acid number, density, and viscosity measurement. From this research the optimum condition which is the temperature of reaction of 150 oC and 1% catalyst concentration was obtained. At this optimum condition the convertion reach 86% and the analysis of other physical properties of the product show the acid number of 24.12, the density of 0.922 g/cc, and the viscosity of 118.4 cp.
