Final answer:
Triglycerides in canola oil are converted to diesel fuel through transesterification, reacting with methanol to form methyl esters, which make up biodiesel, and glycerol as a by-product.
Step-by-step explanation:
Triglycerides in canola oil are converted to diesel fuel through a process called transesterification. This chemical reaction involves a triglyceride reacting with an alcohol (usually methanol) to produce glycerol and methyl esters, which are the components of biodiesel. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- The triglyceride reacts with methanol in the presence of a catalyst.
- Fatty acid chains of the triglyceride are converted into methyl esters.
- Glycerol is produced as a by-product.
This process occurs under specific conditions of temperature and pressure, and requires a catalyst, commonly sodium or potassium hydroxide, to proceed efficiently.