GREEN CHEMISTRY: PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL KIT

Green Chemistry: Production of Biodiesel Kit

In this kit, students carry out a two-phase process to produce small batches of crude biodiesel. The biodiesel is suitable for comparing how biodiesel and vegetable oil burn. An optional small-scale washing step lets students see a more complete path toward fuel that would meet vehicle-quality standards. The kit includes materials for 15 student groups, plus a teacher’s manual and student study-guide copymasters. This product is for laboratory use only.

What’s Included?

• 4 × 500 mL vegetable oil
• 15 × 25 mL methyl alcohol (methanol)
• 1 × 20 g potassium hydroxide
• 2 microburners
• Teacher’s manual and student study-guide copymasters

What You Will Need

The main activity requires typical lab glassware and equipment such as 250 mL beakers, 25 mL and 250 mL graduated cylinders, thermometers, hotplate/stirrers, an electronic balance, sealing film, and large pipets or a separatory funnel or wash bottle. The optional washing step also needs sealable containers large enough for 200 mL of liquid, plus distilled water. Review the manual and safety information before the lab. Methanol is included; this product can expose you to chemicals including methanol, which is known to the State of California to cause reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Instructional Fit

The kit is written to support middle and high school physical science work connected to matter, chemical reactions, and structure and function. It is a hands-on way to talk about alternative fuels and the chemistry behind making them, with enough materials for 15 groups.

Kit Details

• Number of groups: Materials for 15 student groups
• Shipping note: Small-quantity exemption 173.4; package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4 for domestic highway or rail transport only