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In this I/GCSE Chemistry blog post, we will be looking at the process and the creation of ethanol, as well as the different reactions associated with the alcohol.
Fermentation of Ethanol
- Uses Renewable resources (sugar cane)
- Batch Process
- Very slow rate of reaction, takes several days for each batch
- Product is dilute ethanol that would need further processing if pure ethanol is needed.
- Low temperatures are required for these reaction conditions.
Hydration of Ethene
- Uses Non-Renewable resources (crude oil)
- Continuous process
- Fast rate of reaction
- Produces pure ethanol
- High temperatures and pressures are required for reaction conditions. (More expensive.)
Reactions of Ethanol
Combustion
- Ethanol will burn when heated in air or oxygen.
- This means it can be used as fuel for cars.
- This fuel contains a mixture of ethanol and petrol. It is available in many countries.
Dehydration
- Ethanol can have the elements of water removed from it.
- This is done by passing ethanol vapour over hot aluminium oxide.
- This acts as a catalyst for the reaction.
That is all!
References:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tuttee.co%2Fblog%2Fchem-reactions-involving-ethanol&psig=AOvVaw2WzDshBFD-WfUsj9vKnzZ7&ust=1628076757238000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCMDx39jglPICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2Farticle%2F10.1007%2Fs00449-020-02414-5&psig=AOvVaw3CSkSoVAniR5rUBETRRZI4&ust=1628076661412000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCICQo-LglPICFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD