11.6.6

Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Hydration

Test yourself on Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Hydration

Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Catalytic Hydration

Ethanol is made by fermentation of glucose and catalytic hydration of ethene using yeast and acid catalysts.

Fermentation overview

Fermentation overview

  • Fermentation produces ethanol using aqueous glucose.
    • Yeast acts as a catalyst during fermentation.
    • Temperature is kept between 25°C and 35°C.
    • Oxygen is absent during this process.
  • The process was discovered before 1850 and is traditional in brewing.
Fermentation process details

Fermentation process details

  • Glucose breaks down into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
    • The reaction is: C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2.
  • Yeast enzymes speed up fermentation.
  • Fermentation stops if the temperature rises above 35°C.
  • Ethanol yield is limited to about 15% due to yeast sensitivity.
Catalytic hydration overview

Catalytic hydration overview

  • Ethanol also forms by adding steam to ethene.
  • Steam and ethene react at 300°C.
  • Pressure is high, about 6000 kPa (60 atm).
  • An acid catalyst, like phosphoric acid, speeds the reaction.
    • This method started in the early 20th century for industrial ethanol.
Catalytic hydration process details

Catalytic hydration process details

  • Ethene (C2H4) and steam (H2O) form ethanol (C2H5OH).
    • Reaction: C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH.
  • Acid catalyst helps break and form chemical bonds faster.
  • The process allows large-scale ethanol manufacturing.
  • It uses ethene from cracking hydrocarbons.
Comparing both methods

Comparing both methods

  • Fermentation uses renewable glucose, is slower, and produces less pure ethanol.
  • Catalytic hydration uses ethene, allowing continuous production at high purity.
    • Fermentation of ethanol is important in food and drink.
    • Catalytic hydration of ethanol is useful for fuel and industry.
  • Both methods are key to the organic chemistry topic of alcohol manufacture.
Jump to other topics
1

States of Matter

1.1

Solids, Liquids, & Gases

1.1.1States of Matter - Solids, Liquids & Gases1.1.2Structure of Solids, Liquids & Gases1.1.3Changes of State1.1.4The Effects of Temperature & Pressure1.1.5Kinetic Theory1.1.6Kinetic Theory - Effects of Temperature & Pressure
1.2

Diffusion

1.2.1Diffusion1.2.2The Effect of Relative Molecular Mass
2

Atoms, Elements & Compounds

2.1

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

2.1.1Differences Between Elements, Compounds & Mixtures
2.2

Atomic Structure & the Periodic Table

2.2.1The Structure of the Atom2.2.2Relative Charge, Mass & Atomic Numbers2.2.3Electronic Configuration of Elements
2.3

Isotopes

2.3.1Isotopes2.3.2Electronic Configuration of Isotopes2.3.3Calculating Relative Atomic Mass
2.4

Ions & Ionic Bonds

2.4.1Properties of Ionic Compounds - Structure & Bond2.4.2Formation of Ions & Ionic Bonds2.4.3Formation of Ionic Bonds - Metals & Non-Metals2.4.4Ionic Bonds2.4.5Ionic Compounds2.4.6Giant Lattice Structure of Ionic Compounds
2.5

Simple Molecules & Covalent Bonds

2.5.1Covalent Bonds2.5.2Formation of Covalent Bonds2.5.3Structure & Properties of Simple Molecules2.5.4Covalent Bonds in Simple Molecules2.5.5Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds
2.6

Giant Covalent Structures

2.6.1Giant Covalent Structures - Graphite2.6.2Giant Covalent Structures - Diamond2.6.3Uses of Graphite & Diamonds2.6.4Giant Covalent Structures - Silicon Oxide2.6.5Similarity Between Diamond & Silicon Oxide
2.7

Metallic Bonding

2.7.1Metallic Bonding2.7.2The Properties of Metals
3

Stoichometry

3.1

Formulae

3.1.1Understanding Formulae3.1.2Empirical Formula3.1.3Stoichiometry - Formulae, Word & Symbol Equations3.1.4Deduce & Write Ionic Compound Formulas
3.2

Relative Masses of Atoms & Molecules

3.2.1Relative Atomic Mass3.2.2Relative Molecular Mass (Mr)3.2.3Calculating Reacting Masses
3.3

The Mole & the Avogadro Constant

3.3.1Introducing Moles3.3.2Amounts of Substances3.3.3Moles & Equations3.3.4Calculations Involving Gases3.3.5Calculating Stoichiometric Reacting Masses3.3.6Calculating the Moles of Solute3.3.7Calculating Empirical Formula3.3.8Chemical Equations3.3.9Percentage Yield3.3.10Calculating Yield3.3.11Percentage Purity
4

Electrochemistry

4.1

Electrolysis

4.1.1Electrolytic Process4.1.2Electrolysis Examples4.1.3Electrolysis of a Binary Compound in Molten State4.1.4Electroplating4.1.5Transfer of Charge During Electrolysis4.1.6Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions4.1.7Electrolysis of Copper Sulfate4.1.8Electrolysis of Halide Compounds4.1.9Half-Equations4.1.10Combustion of Hydrocarbons
4.2

Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cells

4.2.1Fuel Cells4.2.2Hydrogen Fuel Cells4.2.3Comparing Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cells & Petrol
5

Chemical Energetics

5.1

Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

5.1.1Energy Conservation5.1.2Exothermic Reactions5.1.3Endothermic Reactions5.1.4Energy Change of a Reaction5.1.5Reaction Pathway Diagrams5.1.6Calculating Enthalpy Change
6

Chemical Reactions

6.1

Physical & Chemical Changes

6.1.1Difference btwn Physical & Chemical Changes
6.2

Rate of Reaction

6.2.1Collision Theory & Rate of Reaction6.2.2Factors Affecting Rate of Reaction6.2.3Investigating Rate of Reaction by Change in Mass6.2.4Investigating Rate - Formation of a Gas6.2.5Evaluating Methods to Investigate Reaction Rates
6.3

Reversible Reactions & Equilibrium

6.3.1Reversible Reactions6.3.2Conditions & Equilibrium6.3.3Dynamic Equilibrium6.3.4Changing Conditions - Heat & Water Effects6.3.5Factors Affecting Equilibria - Temperature6.3.6Factors Affecting Equilibria - Pressure6.3.7Factors Affecting Equilibria - Concentration6.3.8The Haber Process6.3.9The Haber Process Equation
6.4

Redox

6.4.1Redox Reactions6.4.2Redox Reactions - OIL RIG6.4.3Examples of Redox Reactions6.4.4Identifying Redox Reactions6.4.5Identifying Redox Reactions by Colour Changes6.4.6Testing for Oxidising & Reducing Agents
7

Acids, Bases & Salts

7.1

The Characteristic Properties of Acids & Bases

7.1.1Acids & Alkali7.1.2Reactions of Metals with Acids7.1.3Reactions of Bases with Acids7.1.4Reactions of Carbonates with Acids7.1.5Identifying Acids7.1.6Properties & Effects of Acids7.1.7Properties of Bases - Reactions with Acids & Salts7.1.8Properties of Alkalis & Indicators7.1.9Strong vs Weak Acids7.1.10Strong vs Weak Bases7.1.11Understanding Universal Indicator Paper7.1.12Acids, Bases & the Neutralisation Reaction
7.2

Oxides

7.2.1Oxides7.2.2Amphoteric Oxides - Reacting with Acids & Bases
7.3

Preparation of Salts

7.3.1Soluble Salts7.3.2Preparing Soluble Salts7.3.3Solubility of Salts7.3.4Preparing Insoluble Salts & Crystallisation
8

The Periodic Table

8.1

Arrangement of Elements

8.1.1The Periodic Table8.1.2Metals & Non-Metals
8.2

Group I Properties

8.2.1Alkali Metals8.2.2Alkali Metals - Properties8.2.3Reactivity of Alkali Metals8.2.4Alkali Metals & Water
8.3

Group VII Properties

8.3.1The Halogens - Properties8.3.2The Halogens - Colours & States8.3.3The Halogen - Displacement 18.3.4The Halogen - Displacement 2
8.4

Transition Elements

8.4.1Transition Metals8.4.2Transition Metals - Special Properties
8.5

Noble Gases

8.5.1Noble Gases - Properties
9

Metals

9.1

Properties of Metals

9.1.1Physical Properties of Metals9.1.2Chemical Properties of Metals9.1.3Metal Oxides
9.2

Uses of Metals

9.2.1Uses of Metals: Aluminium & Copper
9.3

Alloys & Their Properties

9.3.1Alloys9.3.2Alloys 29.3.3Alloys & their Uses in Everyday Life9.3.4Structural Diagrams of Alloys9.3.5Structure of Alloys & Their Strength
9.4

Reactivity Series

9.4.1Metals - Reactivity Series & Reactivity9.4.2Order of Reactivity9.4.3Reactivity of Metals
9.5

Corrosion of Metals

9.5.1Corrosion9.5.2Preventing Corrosion
9.6

Extraction of Metals

9.6.1Extraction of Metals9.6.2Extracting Iron9.6.3Extracting Aluminium from Bauxite
10

Chemistry of the Environment

10.1

Water

10.1.1Testing & Treating Water10.1.2Testing Water Purity Using Melting Point10.1.3Water from Natural Sources10.1.4Potable Water
10.2

Fertilisers

10.2.1Nitrogen & Fertilisers
10.3

Air Quality & Climate

10.3.1Gases in the Atmosphere10.3.2Common Atmospheric Pollutants10.3.3Consequences of Atmospheric Pollutants10.3.4Strategies to Reduce Pollution Effects10.3.5Photochemical Reactions10.3.6Car Engines, Nitrogen Oxides, & Converters
11

Organic Chemistry

11.1

Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.1.1Formula of a Molecule11.1.2General Formulae of Organic Compounds11.1.3Functional Groups11.1.4Homologous Series11.1.5Saturated & Unsaturated Organic Compounds11.1.6Structural Formula11.1.7Structural Isomers
11.2

Naming Organic Compounds

11.2.1Drawing Displayed Formulae11.2.2Naming Organic Compounds - Unbranched11.2.3Naming Unbranched Esters from Alcohols & Acids11.2.4Naming Structural Formulae
11.3

Fuels

11.3.1Fossil Fuels11.3.2Methane as the Main Constituent of Natural Gas11.3.3Fuels & Hydrocarbons11.3.4Petroleum - A Mixture of Hydrocarbons11.3.5Fractional Distillation11.3.6Fractions11.3.7Uses of Fractions - Fuels
11.4

Alkanes

11.4.1Alkanes11.4.2Properties of Alkanes11.4.3Substitution Reactions of Alkanes with Chlorine
11.5

Alkenes

11.5.1Alkenes11.5.2Shortest Alkenes11.5.3Reactions of Alkenes11.5.4Types of Alkene Reactions11.5.5Cracking11.5.6Testing Saturated & Unsaturated Hydrocarbons11.5.7Properties of Alkenes - Addition Reactions
11.6

Alcohols

11.6.1Alcohols11.6.2Smallest Alcohols11.6.3Fermentation11.6.4Steam11.6.5Fermentation vs Hydration of Ethene11.6.6Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Hydration11.6.7Combustion of Ethanol11.6.8Uses of Ethanol - Solvent & Fuel11.6.9Advantages & Disadvantages of Ethanol Manufacture
11.7

Carboxylic Acids

11.7.1Carboxylic Acids11.7.2Smallest Carboxylic Acids11.7.3Reactions of Carboxylic Acids11.7.4Formation of Ethanoic Acid
11.8

Polymers

11.8.1Polymers11.8.2Problems With Polymers11.8.3Polymers & Plastics11.8.4Problems with Plastics11.8.5Condensation Polymerisation11.8.6Condensation Polymerisation Examples11.8.7Addition Polymerisation11.8.8Addition Polymerisation Examples11.8.9Structure of Polymers11.8.10Natural Polyamides - Proteins & Amino Acids
12

Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

12.1

Experimental Design

12.1.1Measurement Tools12.1.2Mixtures12.1.3Understanding Solvents, Solutes, & Solutions12.1.4Separating Mixtures12.1.5Distillation12.1.6Advantages & Disadvantages of Experimental Methods
12.2

Acid-base Titrations

12.2.1Acid-base Titrations
12.3

Chromatography

12.3.1Chromatography12.3.2Paper Chromatography12.3.3Chromatogram
12.4

Separation & Purification

12.4.1Purity12.4.2Methods of Separation & Purification
12.5

Identification of Ions & Gases

12.5.1Testing Aqueous Cations 112.5.2Testing Aqueous Cations 212.5.3Testing Cations - Flame Tests12.5.4Testing Cations12.5.5Testing for Aqueous Cations12.5.6Testing Anions - Sulfates12.5.7Testing Anions - Nitrates12.5.8Testing Gases - Hydrogen12.5.9Testing Gases - Oxygen12.5.10Testing Gases - Carbon Dioxide12.5.11Testing Gases - Chlorine12.5.12Identifying Gases

Practice questions on Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Hydration

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    What is the ideal temperature range for the fermentation of glucose using yeast? Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Fermentation vs Catalytic Hydration:Fill in the list
  3. 3
    A brewery is fermenting glucose to produce ethanol. Which factor must the brewers carefully control to ensure the yeast acts effectively as a catalyst?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    During fermentation, glucose breaks down into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Given the reaction C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>O<sub>6</sub> → 2C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH + 2CO<sub>2</sub> , which inference can be made about the role of yeast enzymes?Multiple choice
  5. 5
    What does the molecular formula show?Multiple choice
Answer all questions on Manufacture of Ethanol: Fermentation & Hydration

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium

Fermentation vs Hydration of Ethene

Combustion of Ethanol