To facilitate the transesterification process to form biodiesel, we utilize sodi
ID: 1042113 • Letter: T
Question
To facilitate the transesterification process to form biodiesel, we utilize sodium methoxide. Why don't we just use a solution of sodium hydroxide?
a. NaOH is too basic, resulting in a series of elimination reactions with alkenes as the products.
b. The methoxide becomes the new ester. The hydroxide with generate a carboxylic acid derivative that would react and form soap.
c. NaOH will cause the transesterification process to go completely in reverse and thus stop the formation of biodiesel.
d. Sodium hydroxide evaporates from vegetable oil.
Explanation / Answer
ANSWER:
The correct answer is option B.
In Transesterification by ethanol, sodium methoxide is preffered as ethanolysis catalyst than sodium hydroxide. The reaction between sodium methoxide and ethanol does not liberate water.The methoxide ion CH3O- reacts and suffieciently converts to esters.
On the other hand, when NaOH is used, it reacts with ethanol and liberates water. The presence of water in the system causes saponification. Thereby reducing the yield of the product by large number.
Therefore sodium methoxide is preferred than sodium hydroxide.
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