Biodiesel fuels derivation from triglycerides

Biodiesel is a fuel derived from renewable natural resources such as soybean and rapeseed and consists of alkyl esters derived from transesterification of triglycerides with methanol. In spite of all the advantages of biodiesel, such as low emissiotts, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and lubricity, the major hurdle in penetration of biodiesel is its high cost because of the expensive food grade refined vegetable oil feedstock. 

Starch and fatty acids are the main food constituents of biomass. Sugar is derived from starch by hydrolysis or directly by extraction from sugar cane or beet. Fermentation converts sugars into alcohol that can be directly used as fuel, or in principle can be used as the raw material of a bioreftnery plant for further upgrading. Triglycerides, derived from oil seeds, are used to be converted into biodiesel through transesterification processes (Fig. 1.14). 

A major kind of renewable fuel is made by hydrolyzing the long-chain fatty acids from triglycerides and attaching methyl groups to produce esters. This liquid product, commonly called biodiesel fuel, serves as a substitute for petroleum-derived liquids in diesel engines. The development and cultivation of plants that produce oils and other lipids is a mtgor possible route to the production of renewable resources. 

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