Process
In our experiment we were able to synthesize biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil.
The class procedure can be found here
The steps we took to produce this reaction were as follows:
Step 1. Warmed 10mL of vegetable oil (Triglyceride) to 60 degrees Celsius
Step 2. Added 2 mL of Sodium Methoxide (NaOCH3) Solution
Step 3. Covered and mixed for 30 minutes on a magnetic stir plate.
Step 4. Transferred mixture into a 15mL centrifuge tube and spun for 5 minutes on a setting of three (3).
Step 5. Siphoned off top layer (biodiesel) and disposed of bottom layer (glycerol).
Step 6. Transferred biodiesel to new 15mL centrifuge tube, added five (5) drops water (H2O), stirred, and spun in centrifuge for 5 minutes on a setting of three (3).
Step 7. Drew off top layer of biodiesel, leaving behind precipitate. Discarded precipitate.
Step 8. Measure volume of biodiesel yielded, (8.2mL), and compared with volume of original vegetable oil sample (10mL). Calculated biodiesel yield at 82%, and compared to standard expected yield of 70%. We believe our yield was higher as a result of using pure vegetable oil as opposed to a previously used sample such as deep fryer or engine oil.