Solid catalysts of chromium tungsten manganese oxides were prepared and used to synthesize fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) through esterification of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). Experiments were conducted in a batch reactor at a temperature range of 130-190 degrees C. The physical and chemical properties of the catalysts were characterized by Brunauer-Emmet-Teller, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The treatment conditions during catalyst preparation, effect of reaction parameters, and catalyst stability were investigated. The catalyst (CrWMnO2) was the most active with maximum FAME content of 85% at optimal reaction conditions of 170 degrees C reaction temperature for 3 h, methanol-to-PFAD molar ratio of 3:1, catalyst dosage of 1.5 wt.%, and reusability of catalyst for several cycles. Results showed that CrWMnO2 is a potential catalyst for FAME synthesis from feedstock containing high free fatty acid. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.