Making Ethanol

Question 1

Describe one way to make ethanol (renewable raw materials))?

Answer 1

Sugar is fermented with yeast and water to produce ethanol and CO2.

Question 2

Describe a non renewable way to make ethanol?

Answer 2

Ethene can be hydrated with steam in the presence of a catalyst to make ethanol.

Question 3

What are the pros and cons of making ethanol with ethene?

Answer 3

Pros: Cheap process, continuous
Cons:Uses ethene which is non-renewable, this method will become very expensive.

Question 4

What are the pros and cons of making ethanol from renewable raw materials?

Answer 4

Pros: renewable, need simpler equipment, lower temp therefore less energy.
Cons: Needs to be distilled, is a batch process, is reliant on years crop, uses land that could be used for food.