New zinc(II) compounds containing functionalized Schiff bases have been prepared and characterized. The complexes catalyze the transesterification of soybean oil in mild conditions, and their activity can be modulated by a fine selection of the anions and/or of the substituents on the ancillary bidentate ligand. The compounds are active in the esterification of fatty acids and could therefore also be used to produce biodiesel from waste oils. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.