transesterification

[ trans-uh-ster-uh-fi-key-shuhn, tranz- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a reaction between an ester of one alcohol and a second alcohol to form an ester of the second alcohol and an alcohol from the original ester, as that of methyl acetate and ethyl alcohol to form ethyl acetate and methyl alcohol; interesterification.

Word History and Origins

Origin of transesterification¹

trans- + esterification ( def )

Example Sentences

A key part is called “transesterification,” a process that rearranges the fat molecules in the oil.

From Washington Times

Academic and commercial enterprises have realized the importance of such research on this topic, and a direct transesterification method for total microalgal lipid content has produced appreciable levels of biodiesel even when there are undetectable levels of neutral lipids.

From Nature

This is one of the main by-products of the transesterification process that can serve as a carbon feedstock for heterotrophic algal growth.

From Nature

Biodiesel is the main biofuel in Europe, and is produced by the transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fats with methanol, but this also has its own limitations: it has only 91 of the energy content of D2 diesel and, because wax can form in the fuel if the temperature is too low, it is difficult to transport with the current distribution infrastructure, so there are geographical limits to its use.

From Nature

A chemical process called transesterification converts these oils to biodiesel.

From Nature