Production ethanol: fermentation vs. ethene and steam

Production ethanol: fermentation vs. ethene and steam

1. Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer. It's also useful as a fuel. For use in cars and other vehicles, it is usually mixed with petrol.

2. Ethanol molecules contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms

   • C2H5OH

3. Ethanol can be made by reacting ethene (from cracking crude oil fractions) with steam. A catalyst of phosphoric acid is used to ensure a fast reaction.

   • Ethene is made from crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource. It cannot be replaced once it is used up and it will run out one day.
     • This process needs conditions of 300 degrees and very high pressure which uses a lot of energy,but produces 100% pure alcohol

4. Another way ethanol can be produced is fermentation

   • Sugar from plant material is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide by fermentation.
   • The enzymes found in single-celled fungi (yeast) are the natural catalysts that can make this process happen.
     • C66H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
   • Unlike ethene, sugar from plant material is a renewable resource.
   • The conditions needed for this reaction is only 30-40 degrees meaning it doesn't need a lot of energy
     • Alcohol is impure therefore has to be distilled further which takes a lot of time