2.7 Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids Flashcards
Alcohol
Is a homologous series containing -OH as the functional group
Fermentation
Is an enzyme- catalysed reaction that converts sugars to ethanol
What are the two main process used to produce ethanol on an industrial scale?
Hydration of ethene
Fermentation
What is the optimal temperature for producing ethanol via hydration of ethene?
300°C
Would a higher or lower temperature produce a higher yield in the hydration of ethene?
A lower temperature since the forward reaction is exothermic
What is the optimal pressure used to produce ethanol via hydration of ethene?
60-70 atm
Would a higher or a lower pressure produce a higher yield in the hydration of ethene?
A high pressure since two moles are converted into one mole
Under normal conditions of hydration of ethene, how much % is normally converted into ethanol?
5%, the remaining ethene is recycled back into the reaction chamber
How is fermentaion normally carried out?
By dissolving sugar in water, adding yeast and leaving the mixture in a warm place
Is water part of the reaction during fermentation?
No, It is needed for the reaction to happen but otherwise it isn’t included in the reaction
Biofuel
Is a fuel that has been produced using a biological source
Carbon neutral
Is a process where there is no net transfer of carbon dioxide to or from the atmosphere
Advantages of Biofuels: (3)
Renewable
Overall production of carbon dioxide is reduced
Economic and political security, countries without oil fields can now grow plants that can be turned into biofuels
Disadvantages of Biofuels: (3)
Land use, growing the plants requires large amounts of fields
Use of resources, Growing crops suitable for biofuel production requires large amounts of water and fertilisers
Carbon neutrality, all of the fumes produced during the production of the biofuel can be argued to make it non carbon neutral
What are the two most common dehydrating agents?
Concentrated sulfuric acid
Heated aluminium oxide
