Ethanol

Question 1

How do you make ethanol using steam?

Answer 1

C₂H₄ (ethene) + H₂O (steam) > C₂H₅OH (ethanol)

60-70 atm + 300 degrees - makes reaction fast

Catalyst: Phosphoric Acid

Question 2

How do you make ethanol using sugars?

Answer 2

Ethanol can be made by anaerobic respiration of microorganisms.

Glucose > Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide

Happens at 30 degrees

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the hydration method?

Answer 3

Advantages: fast + pure product + continuous reaction

Disadvantages: expensive + ethene (cracked from crude oil) is not renewable

Question 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the fermentation method?

Answer 4

Advantages: cheap + cane sugar is widely available + renewable

Disadvantages: slow + impurities in product + done in batches

Question 5

How do you make ethene using ethanol?

Answer 5

Ethanol > Ethene + Water

C₂H₅OH > C₂H₄ + H₂O

Catalyst: Aluminium Oxide