Alcohols (Practicals)

Question 1

What are the pros of fermentation over hydration?

Answer 1

FERMENTATION
> Sources of glucose (barley, grapes) are renewable; crude oil is not
> Lower temperature and pressure (though this does mean slower reactions)

Question 2

What is important about yeast in fermentation?

Answer 2

Yeast, as an enzyme, is a natural catalyst for the reaction of glucose to ethanol and CO2.

Question 3

What is the optimum temperature for fermentation? Why?

Answer 3

> 35 degrees celcius

> Maximises yeast activity without causing yeast enzymes to die from overheating

Question 4

What concentrations are typically made in fermentation? Why?

How would you increase concentration?

Answer 4

> Between 3%-15%
Any higher would kill the yeast
To increase to 40%, distill the fermented products

Question 5

What catalyst is used in hydration?

Answer 5

> Concentrated phosphoric acid (H3PO4)

Question 6

How are fermentation and hydration processed?

Answer 6

> Fermentation is in batches
[remember yeast like bread batches]

> Hydration is continuous
[crude oil industrial]

Question 7

What are the pros of hydration over fermentation?

Answer 7

HYDRATION
> Typically cheaper
> Faster (due to 300 degrees celsius at 70 atm pressure)
> Pure products right out of the gate