•
• Most of the biofuel is made from animal fats, vegetables, and oils containing glycerin which is called triglycerides. In the process, the fats and oils are turned into esters (which is an organic compound made by replacing the hydrogen of an acid by an alkyl or other organic group. Many naturally occurring fats and essential oils are esters of fatty acid). In the process of turning into esters, the glycerin is separated. And the end of the process, the glycerine sinks down to the bottom, and all the biofuel remains at the top. This process is known as transesterification. It also uses lye (a strong alkaline solution, mostly of potassium hydroxide) as a catalyst in the whole separating process. The chemicals used in the manufacturing of biofuels are either ethanol (which is derived from plants) or methanol (which is derived from fossil fuels). Ethanol is a better choice to use, because it can be distilled at home without too many problems.
•