3.5.4 Combustion of Alcohols

Question 1

How do alcohols burn?

Answer 1

• Complete combustion
• Lower energy density than gasoline, so as a fuel need to be replenished more often
• Ethanol can be sustainably produced as a fuel by fermentation of sugars
• Lower alcohols burn with invisible flame and make good fuels
• Blending ethanol and gasoline increases energy density and makes it easier to see flames so it is safer in case of fires
• Socioeconomic concerns about using large quantities of land to produce crops for fermentation which could be used for food production