# DBT JRF 2020 — Question 75

Exam: DBT JRF 2020 · Section: B · Topic: Biotechnology · Difficulty: Easy

## Question

Which of the following processes is used to produce biodiesel?

## Options

- **A.** interesterification
- **B.** transamidation
- **C.** transesterification
- **D.** transglycosylation

## Answer

Option C

## Explanation

Biodiesel is produced by transesterification of triglycerides (vegetable oils or animal fats) with a short-chain alcohol (usually methanol, sometimes ethanol): Triglyceride + 3 Methanol $\xrightarrow{\text{catalyst}}$ 3 FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters = biodiesel) + Glycerol. Catalysts: alkaline (NaOH, KOH) — most common industrially; acid ( $\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4$ ) for high FFA feedstocks; enzymatic (lipases, especially Candida antarctica lipase B) for cleaner process. FAME has similar combustion properties to petroleum diesel and is used as B5–B100 blends. Interesterification exchanges fatty acid groups between two esters. Transamidation involves amides. Transglycosylation involves glycosidic bonds. Only transesterification produces biodiesel.

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