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!

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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