Fermentation
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 11.6.3
Fermentation
Fermentation is a common method for producing ethanol. Ethanol is a key component (part) of alcoholic drinks, and is also used as a solvent and a fuel.
Process
- The process of fermentation involves adding yeast to a sugar solution. The resulting reaction yields:
- An aqueous solution of ethanol.
- Carbon dioxide.
Conditions
- The ideal conditions for the fermentation of sugar using yeast are:
- A temperature of 25-35°C.
- A solution that is slightly acidic.
- In the absence of oxygen (anaerobic).
Fractional distillation
- We can fractionally distill the ethanol mixture from fermentation to get the ethanol.
- This method allows the producer of the ethanol to produce a higher concentration of ethanol.
Test yourself on Fermentation
Which of the following is not an ideal condition for the fermentation of sugar using yeast?
What's the advantage of fractionally distilling the ethanol mixture from fermentation?