This paper evaluates the production of methyl esters from castor oil and methanol after neutralization of castor oil with glycerol. The reaction was carried out under atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature in a batch reactor, employing potassium hydroxide as catalyst. Results showed high yield of castor oil into methyl esters after neutralization of castor oil with glycerol. The highest yield observed was of 92.5% after 15 min of reaction. The best operating condition was obtained applying an alcohol to oil molar ratio of 6.0 and 0.5% w/w of catalyst. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.