Question

Canola oil is a source of biodiesel fuel. Research how the triglycerides in canola oil are converted to diesel fuel and compare this chemical reaction to the saponification reaction used with canola oil in this experiment.

Answer 1

Triglycerides in canola oil can be converted to biodiesel fuel through transesterification. This reaction involves reacting a triglyceride with an alcohol to form an ester and glycerol. The saponification reaction used in making soap is a hydrolysis reaction that converts the fatty acids in canola oil into soap molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Triglycerides in canola oil can be converted to biodiesel fuel through a process called transesterification. In this reaction, a triglyceride reacts with an alcohol, such as methanol, to form an ester and glycerol. For example:

1. Triglyceride + Methanol → Ester + Glycerol
2. CH3OH + CH3 CH₂ OCOCH3 → CH3 OCOCH3 + CH3 CH₂OH

This chemical reaction is different from the saponification reaction used with canola oil in making soap. Saponification is a hydrolysis reaction in the presence of a base, such as sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate. This reaction converts the fatty acids in the triglyceride into sodium salts, which are the soap molecules.