CHED 1075 |
| The current process for converting triglycerides to methyl esters yields glycerin as a waste product which is inconsistent with principles of green chemistry. The research will explore modifying the current process by using alternative methanol sources in an effort to recover the glycerin in a form that can be utilized in other chemical processes. Another possible outcome would be leaving it in the final product for use as biodiesel. The process consists of reacting 2,2-dimethoxy propane (methanol acetal of acetone) with triglyceride to make 1,2-isopropylidene glyceryl fatty ester and methyl fatty esters. The effects of variations in the amount of reactants, co-catalysts and catalysts will be explored to find a combination that creates the maximum conversion. Reaction progress is monitored by taking samples from the reaction flasks and analyzing by GC. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |