Ethanol production Flashcards
(12 cards)
Why are alcohols important in industrial chemistry?
They are easily made, act as intermediates, and can be converted into many other compounds
How is ethanol made industrially from crude oil?
By reacting ethene with steam using a phosphoric acid catalyst
What are some uses of ethanol?
They are used as a solvent in cosmetics and as an intermediate in making drugs, detergents, inks and coatings
What is the biological method of producing ethanol?
Fermentation of sugars
What reaction is used to make ethanol from ethene?
Hydration - adding steam across the double of ethene
What raw material is used in fermentation to make ethanol?
Carbohydrates (from sugar cane etc.)
What is the word and symbol equation for fermentation?
Glucose ⇒ Ethanol + Carbon dioxide
C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
Why is air kept out during fermentation?
To prevent oxidation of ethanol to ethanoic acid
Why is fermentation carried out at around 35°C?
It a compromise temperature, because at low temperatures the reaction is slow but at higher temperatures the enzymes denature
Why does fermentation stop at around 15% ethanol?
This is because the enzymes stop working at high ethanol concentration
How can ethene be produced from a renewable source?
By dehydrating ethanol made from fermentation of sugars
What is the word equation for producing ethene from ethanol?
Ethanol ⇒ Ethene + Water
