Ans. During synthesis of biodiesel from vegetable oils in lab,
the reaction mixture consists of methanol, KOH (KOH solution in
methanol) and vegetable oil.
During transesterification, methyl group of methanol is
transferred to the carbonyl O-atom of fatty acid forming biodiesel.
The transesterification reaction ins base-catalyzed in which
KOH acts as a
catalyst.
(RCOOH)3
+Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
CH3OH ------------KOH as catalyst--------->
RCOO-CH2 +
       Â
(HCOH)3
Veg.
oil            Â
methanol                                                    Â
biodiesel
                 Â
Glycerol
