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Canola oil is completely converted to biodiesel fuel - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 9
Canola oil is completely converted to biodiesel fuel. One of the components of this biodiesel is ethyl stearate. Once cooled, the product mixture of the conversion o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Canola oil is completely converted to biodiesel fuel - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which of the above chemicals are found in layer B?
Answer
In the biodiesel production process, when canola oil is converted, it separates into two distinct layers upon cooling. Layer A consists of biodiesel, while layer B contains the byproducts and reactants that are heavier. According to the chemicals listed:
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Glycerol (I): This is a byproduct of the transesterification process and will be present in layer B.
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Potassium Hydroxide (II): This is used as a catalyst during the biodiesel production process but is not likely to remain in the final product and therefore will be found in layer B as well.
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Ethanol (III): Ethanol is used as a reactant in the process and, similar to potassium hydroxide, would also be expected to be present in layer B.
Thus, layer B contains all the mentioned components: glycerol, potassium hydroxide, and ethanol. Therefore, the correct choice is D: I, II, and III.