Lecture 2 – Preparation & Uses of Ethanol

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Figure	Source of Figure
Figure 14	https://sites.google.com/site/internationalgcsechemistry/

Preparation of Ethanol:

Ethanol is produced by 2 processes.

1. Fermentation of glucose
2. Addition of steam to ethene

Fermentation of glucose:

Glucose decomposes to form ethanol and carbon dioxide, in the absence of oxygen and presence of yeast as a catalyst.

Addition of steam to ethene:

Ethene reacts with steam, at 300°C temperature and 60 atmosphere pressure, with Phosphoric acid as a catalyst, to form ethanol.

Figure 14:

 This process is used during the industrial manufacture of Ethanol.

Uses of Ethanol:

1. Ethanol is used as a solvent in:
• Sanitizers
• Cosmetics
• Antitussive
• Glues
• Medicines 
2. Ethanol is used as a renewable source of energy.
3. Ethanol is used as a major constituent of alcoholic beverages.