Resumen de Soybean Oil: Powering a High School Investigation of Biodiesel
Paul de la Rosa, Katherine A. Azurin, Michael F. Z. Page
This laboratory investigation challenges students to synthesize, analyze, and compare viable alternative fuels to Diesel No. 2 using a renewable resource, as well as readily available reagents and supplies. During the experiment, students synthesized biodiesel from soybean oil in an average percent yield of 83.8 ± 6.3%. They then prepared fuel samples consisting of commercial Diesel No. 2, B100 (100% biodiesel), and blended B20 (80:20 Diesel No. 2 to biodiesel). During analysis, the students determined that the fuels contained an average energy value of 3626.2 ± 622.0 kJ/kg (B100), 3675.6 ± 723.7 kJ/kg (B20), and 4349.5 ± 1019.2 kJ/kg (Diesel No. 2). The experiment requires three 50 min lab periods and reinforces crosscutting educational science standards. It can enrich science discussions in either a high school or an introductory university chemistry class regarding sustainability and stewardship.
