The synthesis of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters) from both new and used vegetable oil provides a real world model for the examination of many concepts covered in a typical general chemistry course. Acid-base chemistry is investigated via an initial titration of the oil to determine the free fatty acid content. The relationship between molecular structure and physical properties can be seen through the measurement of a number of physical properties including density, viscosity, gel point, and gel point depression. Extensions of the work include an examination of intermolecular forces and the role they play in the properties of the fuel as well as their usefulness in obtaining the original oils from oil bearing foodstuffs.