** Biodiesel: using renewable resources

**Introduction

One of ways in which processes can be made greener is to use renewable resources to replace nonrenewable starting materials. Chemical processes that rely on materials that cannot be supplied in a sustainable fashion are harmful since such processes can eventually deplete a resource. It makes little sense to become dependent on any resource that exists in finite quantities. However, many processes are in this very position because, although the resources they use are finite, they are also vast. Petroleum is a good example. Because it is so plentiful, little thought has been given to finding a renewable alternative. This is despite the fact that our petroleum reserves are sure to run out eventually. If an alternative can be found that would convert plant material to useable fuel, it would demonstrate the green chemistry principle of using renewable resources. This involves finding ways to use renewable starting materials, such as substances derived from growing plants, rather than materials like the Earths petroleum and natural gas supplies that are irreplaceable in the short term. One such process is the manufacture of biodiesel an alternative to diesel fuel from vegetable oils.

**Activity 1: Making biodiesel

Biodiesel is a mixture of methyl esters of fatty acids (long chain carboxylic acids). It has similar properties to the diesel fuel made from crude oil that is used to fuel many vehicles. It can be made easily from vegetable cooking oil that contains compounds of fatty acids. Enough fuel can be produced in this activity to burn in a later activity, although it is not pure enough to actually be used as fuel in a car or lorry. The synthesis is a simple chemical reaction that produces biodiesel and propane-1,2,3-triol (glycerol). Cooking oil is mixed with methanol and potassium hydroxide is added as a catalyst. The products separate into two layers, with the biodiesel on the top. The biodiesel is separated and washed, and is then ready for further experimentation.

** What you will need

Eye protection Access to a top pan balance One 250 cm3 conical flask Two 100 cm3 beakers One 100 cm3 measuring cylinder Five plastic teat pipettes Distilled or deionised water 100 cm3 vegetable-based cooking oil 15 cm3 methanol (highly flammable, toxic by inhalation, if swallowed, and by skin absorption) 1 cm3 potassium hydroxide solution 50% (corrosive).

**Safety

Wear eye protection. Methanol is flammable and poisonous. Potassium hydroxide is corrosive. ** What to do

Measure 100 cm3 of vegetable oil into the 250 cm3 flask. Weigh the flask before and after to determine the mass of oil you used. Carefully add 15 cm3 of methanol. Slowly add 1 cm3 of 50% potassium hydroxide. Stir or swirl the mixture for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to stand until it separates into two layers.

Carefully remove the top layer (this is impure biodiesel) using a teat pipette. Wash the product by shaking it with 10 cm3 of distilled or deionised water. Allow the mixture to stand until it separates into two layers. Carefully remove the top layer of biodiesel using a teat pipette. Weigh the amount of biodiesel you have collected and compare it to the amount of vegetable oil you started with.