Biodiesel Lab

Matt Babb
Tommy
Andrew
Mackenzie
Siggy

Haase
Hayduk
Bolton
Arndt

Introduction
The synthesis of Biodiesel

The Problem
Produce Biodiesel from peanut oil, and compare the properties of biodiesel to other
fuels.

Materials
250 mL Erlenmeyer flask

50 mL Beaker
100 mL Beaker
Graduated Cylinder
Magnetic Stir Bar
Heating and Stirring Plate
Thermometer (-20C to 100C)
Parafilm for the 50 mL Beaker

 0.4M solution of NaOH in Methanol

Peanut Oil
Transfer Pipette

Procedure
PART 1
1. Measure 40 mL of of Peanut oil with a transfer pipette into the Erlenmeyer
flask
2. Stir the oil continuously on the Heating and Stirring Plate between 40C
and 50C
3. Once at 50C, Add 10 mL of the 0.4M solution of NaOH in Methanol in the
solution
4. Run the Magnetic Stir Bar for 45 minutes
5. Pour the mixture into the 50 mL Beaker and wait until cool
6. Cover the top of the 50 mL Beaker with the Parafilm.
7. Write the group name on the beaker and leave the beaker to sit for a week.
PART 2
1.

Results
The test was inconclusive, as our biodiesel was spilled during the mixing of PART 2

Conclusions
To conclude, the lab was going well but the lack of experience in the lab in this
situation, as it being the first time the lab was done, detracted from the ability to
complete this experience. There were many points of failure and points of error, from
the Beakers being too small for the Magnetic Stir bar, human error, and inaccurate
heating methods.