Biodiesel is produced through a process known as transeterification, in which fats and oils are broken down using ethanol to yield long carbon hydrogen chains similar to petrodiesel, but incorporating two oxygen atoms. Petrodiesel (petrol) = C16H34. Biodiesel = C17H34O2.
2) Write balanced combustion reactions for the petrol and biodiesels shown above.
a) How much heat is released per kg of petrol? How much per kg of biodiesel?
b) How much CO2 is released per kJ of energy from petrol? How much per kJ of energy from biodiesel?
c) Would you recommend that the US make a strong push towards replacing petrol diesel fuels with biodiesel? Support your argument at least two referenced arguments.