Transesterification is a chemical process used primarily to convert oils, which are typically triglycerides, into biodiesel. This reaction involves exchanging the organic group of an ester with the organic group of an alcohol. In the context of biodiesel production, transesterification typically refers to the reaction where vegetable oils or animal fats react with an alcohol (usually methanol or ethanol) in the presence of a catalyst (which can be an acid, base, or enzyme) to form fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), respectively, along with glycerol as a byproduct. The catalyst speeds up the reaction and makes it more efficient.

Biodiesel produced through transesterification can be used as a renewable and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum diesel. It has gained popularity as it is biodegradable and produces fewer emissions during combustion compared to fossil fuels.

For more information about transesterification, you can refer to the following sources:

1. National Biodiesel Board – This website offers comprehensive information on biodiesel, including its production processes and benefits. The transesterification process is a key component in creating biodiesel, and the National Biodiesel Board provides educational materials covering this topic.
URL: https://www.biodiesel.org/

2. US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center – This government website provides resources on various alternative fuels, including biodiesel. They have detailed pages explaining the transesterification process and its role in producing biodiesel for transportation and other uses.
URL: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/biodiesel_production.html

Please ensure that the URLs are current and accessible as web pages can be updated or URLs may change over time.