Guided-Inquiry of Green Chemistry-Based Experiments in Biodiesel Synthesis

Abstract

<p><span lang="IN">The use of non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels is very contrary to the concept of sustainable development. The principles of green chemistry can be applied to laboratory </span><span>work</span><span lang="IN"> through experiments based on environmental issues such as energy. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel to replace fossil fuels which can be made through the process of transesterification of oils. This research aims to apply the principles of green chemistry in biodiesel synthesis experiments; design</span><span>ing</span><span lang="IN"> and conduct</span><span>ing</span><span lang="IN"> thoughtful and efficient experiments; characterizing biodiesel products and knowing students' responses to green chemistry-based experiments in biodiesel synthesis. The results showed that the principle</span><span>s</span><span lang="IN"> of green chemistry were successfully applied in the synthesis of biodiesel. </span><span>Biodiesel products have a </span><span lang="IN">bright yellow colour, pH of 7, and density between 0.866-0.892 g/mL. Water content</span><span>s</span><span lang="IN"> range from 1.67-3.3, </span><span>and </span><span lang="IN">acid number</span><span>s</span><span lang="IN"> range from 0.69-4.3. 90/10 test</span><span>s</span><span lang="IN"> show </span><span>the </span><span lang="IN">results between range 0.5-3% and kinematic viscosity from 4.195</span><span>-</span><span lang="IN">4.995. Students showed a positive response of 75.36% in designing experimental procedures for green</span><span lang="IN">chemistry-based biodiesel synthesis.</span></p>