Soybean Oil: Powering a High School Investigation of Biodiesel

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.