Question

how would you write the conversion reaction from oil to biodiesel? a) oil + alcohol + catalyst → biodiesel b) oil + alcohol + catalyst → biodiesel + glycerol + catalyst c) oil + catalyst → biodiesel + glycerol + alcohol d) biofuel + alcohol + catalyst → catalyst + biofuel + glycerol

Explanation:

The conversion of oil to biodiesel is a trans - esterification reaction. In this reaction, oil (triglyceride) reacts with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to produce biodiesel (fatty acid esters) and glycerol. The catalyst is not consumed in the reaction and remains at the end.

Answer:

B. oil + alcohol + catalyst → biodiesel + glycerol + catalyst