Question

What chemical reaction makes biodiesel?
A. Transesterification
B. Sublimation
C. Polymerization
D. Fermentation

Answer 1

Hint: We have to know that the biodiesel is produced from the animals or plants which is a form of diesel and it contains a long chain of esters and fatty acids. And biodiesel is a larger content of oxygen than petroleum diesel. And it vigorously reacts with the chemicals. Hence, it is a more chemically active solvent. And the biodiesel is not toxic when compared to petroleum diesel.

Complete answer:
We need to remember that the chemical reaction used to make biodiesel is Transesterification. Here, the triglycerides are converted into alkyl esters by the reaction with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. Here the organic group of an ester will exchange with the organic group present in the alcohol. The transesterification reaction is catalyzed by using a catalyst which may be an acid or base. Sometimes it takes place in the presence of other enzymes such as lipases.
The formation of biodiesel is the method of making the biofuels, biodiesel by the chemical reaction like esterification and transesterification process. Here, the animal fats and vegetable oils are reacting with alcohols like ethanol and methanol. Therefore, the biodiesel is prepared by transesterification reaction. Hence, option (A) is correct.
The sublimation is the process of conversion of solid phase to gas phase. Hence, option (B) is incorrect.
Polymerization is the process of formation of polymer chains. Hence, the option (C) is incorrect.
The fermentation is the technique which is used for the breakdown of substance lie yeast, bacteria etc. Hence, the option (D) is incorrect.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
We need to know that the biodiesel is prepared by the process known as transesterification. Here, the alcohol and ester and reacting and the ester group is exchanged by using alcohol. And the alcohol group is replaced by using the ester group. And the transesterification reaction is a reversible reaction. Hence, the product formed by this reaction will again react together.