Transesterification (Biodiesel Production)

triglyceride + 3CH3OH → 3 FAME + glycerol

Übersicht

Triglyceride fats react with methanol in the presence of a base catalyst to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME, biodiesel) and glycerol. Each triglyceride molecule produces three molecules of biodiesel. This transesterification reaction replaces glycerol with methanol at the ester linkages.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Methanol CH₃OH 3 (l)
Produkt Glycerol C₃H₈O₃ 1 (l)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Biodiesel can be made at home from waste cooking oil using this reaction with methanol and lye (NaOH).

Industrielle Bedeutung

Global biodiesel production exceeds 40 billion liters annually. The reaction is the foundation of the renewable diesel industry using vegetable oils and waste fats.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Organic
Reversibel
Ja
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-12,0 kJ/mol
Katalysator
NaOH or KOH

Verwandte Reaktionen

Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA) Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone E2 Elimination (Dehydrohalogenation) Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Dehydration of Ethanol

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Transesterification (Biodiesel Production)?
The balanced equation is: triglyceride + 3CH₃OH → 3 FAME + glycerol.
What type of reaction is Transesterification (Biodiesel Production)?
Transesterification (Biodiesel Production) is a organic reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Transesterification (Biodiesel Production) exothermic or endothermic?
Transesterification (Biodiesel Production) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -12.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Transesterification (Biodiesel Production)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (NaOH or KOH).