Which chemical reactions are involved in converting coconut oil into biodiesel?
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April 4, 2025 at 10:02 am by Nancy Harris
The key reaction is transesterification, where triglycerides in coconut oil react with methanol and a catalyst (e.g., NaOH) to form fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerol. The reaction occurs in three steps: triglycerides → diglycerides → monoglycerides → glycerol, with each step forming a methyl ester. The GlobeCore USB system ensures these reactions proceed efficiently by maintaining the optimal temperature and agitation, allowing complete conversion and minimizing soap formation or unreacted materials.