Question

Draw the structure of glyceryl trilaurate, a fat. Lauric acid (page 489) has the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{11} \mathrm{H}_{23} \mathrm{CO}_{2} \mathrm{H}\) (a) Write an equation for the saponification of glyceryl trilaurate. (b) Write an equation for the reaction that could be used to prepare biodiesel fuel from this fat.

Short answer

(a) Equation: Triester + NaOH -> Soap + Glycerol; (b) Equation: Triester + Methanol -> Biodiesel + Glycerol.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Glyceryl Trilaurate

Glyceryl trilaurate, also known as trilaurin, is a triglyceride formed by the esterification of glycerol with three molecules of lauric acid. Its structure consists of a glycerol backbone attached to three lauric acid chains.

Lauric Acid Structure

Lauric acid has the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{11}\mathrm{H}_{23}\mathrm{CO}_2\mathrm{H}\), indicating it is a 12-carbon saturated fatty acid. This means it has a long hydrocarbon chain with 11 carbon atoms plus a carboxyl group \(\mathrm{COOH}\) at the end.

Equation for Saponification

Saponification is a process where a triglyceride reacts with a strong base to form glycerol and soap. For glyceryl trilaurate, the equation is: \[\text{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{5}\left(\text{C}_{11}\text{H}_{23}\mathrm{CO}_2\right)_3\text{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{5}\mathrm{(glycerol)} + 3\text{NaOH} \rightarrow 3\text{C}_{11}\mathrm{H}_{23}\mathrm{COONa}\text{(soap)} + \text{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{5}\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)_3\] This equation shows the breakdown of glyceryl trilaurate into glycerol and sodium salts of lauric acid (soap).

Preparation of Biodiesel from Glyceryl Trilaurate

The transesterification reaction is used to prepare biodiesel, where the triglyceride reacts with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. For glyceryl trilaurate, the reaction with methanol to form biodiesel (methyl laurate) and glycerol is: \[\text{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{5}\left(\text{C}_{11}\text{H}_{23}\mathrm{CO}_2\right)_3 ext{ + 3 CH}_3 ext{OH} \rightarrow 3 \text{C}_{11}\mathrm{H}_{23}\mathrm{COOCH}_3 \text{(biodiesel)} + \text{C}_{3}\mathrm{H}_{5}\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)_3\] This equation represents the conversion of the triglyceride into methyl ester (biodiesel) and glycerol.

Key concepts

Saponification

Saponification is an important chemical reaction that turns fats into soap and glycerol. Think of it as a cleansing transformation. In simple terms, saponification involves reacting a triglyceride with a strong base, like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This process breaks down the triglyceride into glycerol and soap molecules.

When we look at glyceryl trilaurate, or trilaurin, this reaction liberates glycerol and soap in the form of sodium laurate.

• The triglyceride molecule is split by the base.
• Glyceryl trilaurate gives three soap molecules and a glycerol molecule.

The result of saponification is a mixture of glycerol and "soapy" products that we use in everyday cleaning products.

Triglyceride

Triglycerides are the main components of natural fats and oils. They are essential molecules in biology and chemistry. A triglyceride consists of a glycerol backbone bonded to three fatty acid chains through ester bonds.

For our interest, glyceryl trilaurate is a specific type of triglyceride.

• The glycerol provides a structural base.
• The lauric acid chains connect to glycerol, completing the triglyceride structure.

These molecules store energy and are converted into other useful products, such as soaps or biodiesel. Their ability to be easily transformed makes them very important in industrial applications.

Transesterification

Transesterification is a chemical reaction crucial in the production of biodiesel. It involves exchanging the organic group of an ester with another alcohol.

In the context of glyceryl trilaurate, transesterification occurs when the triglyceride reacts with methanol in the presence of a catalyst. This swap results in methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerol.

• Alcohol (like methanol) changes the structure of the fat.
• The fatty acids from the triglyceride are converted into biodiesel esters.

This process is vital for producing sustainable and renewable energy sources like biodiesel from fats and oils.

Biodiesel Production

Biodiesel is a renewable energy resource made from biological materials, like plant oils or animal fats. Creating biodiesel involves processes like transesterification where triglycerides in fats are converted into usable fuel.

More specifically, in the context of glyceryl trilaurate, biodiesel production transforms this fat into methyl esters (biodiesel) using methanol. The reaction is facilitated by a catalyst.

• Glyceryl trilaurate undergoes a chemical reaction with methanol.
• The fatty acids are transformed into methyl ester, a type of biodiesel.

This process not only helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels but also provides a cleaner burning alternative, cutting down emissions from engines.