1) Biodiesel is produced through a process known as transeterification, in which fats and oils are broken down utilizing ethanol to yield long carbon hydrogen chains similar to petrodiesel, however incorporating two oxygen atoms. Petrodiesel (petrol) = C16H34. Biodiesel = C17H34O2.
2) State balanced combustion reactions for the petrol and biodiesels shown above.
a) Explain how much heat is released per kg of petrol? How much per kg of biodiesel?
b) Explain how much CO2 is released per kJ of energy from petrol? How much per kJ of energy from biodiesel?
c) Would you advocate that the US make a strong push towards replacing petrol diesel fuels with biodiesel?