Producing Ethanol by Hydration of Ethene

What is hydration of ethene?

The reaction of ethene with steam to produce ethanol.

What is the word equation for hydration of ethene?

Ethene + steam ⇌ ethanol.

What is the symbol equation for hydration of ethene?

C₂H₄ + H₂O ⇌ C₂H₅OH.

What catalyst is used in hydration of ethene?

Phosphoric acid.

What temperature is commonly used for industrial hydration of ethene?

Approximately 300°C.

What pressure is commonly used for industrial hydration of ethene?

Approximately 60–70 atmospheres.

Why is hydration of ethene described as an addition reaction?

Water adds across the C

Why is the hydration reaction reversible?

Ethanol can undergo the reverse reaction to form ethene and water.

Why can hydration produce ethanol continuously?

It is an industrial process with a continuous supply of reactants.

What is one advantage of hydration compared with fermentation?

It is faster and produces relatively pure ethanol.

What is one disadvantage of hydration compared with fermentation?

It commonly uses ethene derived from finite crude oil resources.

Why are high temperatures and pressures used?

They provide a commercially useful reaction rate and production conditions.

What happens to unreacted ethene?

It can be recycled through the reactor.

What is the difference between fermentation and hydration?

Fermentation uses glucose and yeast, whereas hydration uses ethene, steam and an acid catalyst.

Which method uses renewable raw materials?

Fermentation, when glucose comes from regrown crops.

Which method typically produces ethanol more rapidly?

Hydration of ethene.