Carbon Chemistry - Fermentation and Methanol from natural gas

Question 1

What are alcohols used for?

Answer 1

Alcoholic drinks, solvents (esp for removing paint) and fuel for cars

Question 2

What is the process of fermentation?

Answer 2

It is a enzyme-controlled chemical reaction in which bacteria and fungi (esp yeasts) break down carbohydrates (eg glucose) into ethanol, carbon dioxide and heat.

Question 3

Under what condition does fermentation occur?

Answer 3

ANAEROBIC
(without oxygen)

and at a temperature of around 30-40°C (greater temp = enzymes denatured)

Question 4

What is the equation for fermentation?

Answer 4

Sugar -> Alcohol + CO2

Question 5

Outline the process of turning methane into methanol

Answer 5

-Plants take natural methane from both the offshore Maui and the onshore Kapuni gas fields near Taranaki.

-The natural gas, mainly methane, is converted into synthesis gas consisting of CO, CO2 and H2.
Accomplished in the presence of steam at high temperature, high pressure, and in the presence of a catalyst.

-The synthesis gas is then passed over another catalyst at a lower temperature to form methanol, hydrogen and water. This reaction produces heat and is exothermic.