Transesterification (Biodiesel Production)

triglyceride + 3CH₃OH → 3 FAME + glycerol

Overview

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.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Methanol CH₃OH	3	(l)
Product	Glycerol C₃H₈O₃	1	(l)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type: Organic
Reversible: Yes
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -12.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst: NaOH or KOH

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

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).