Industrial ethanol is synthesized globally using two distinct pathways: the anaerobic fermentation of hexose sugars and the direct catalytic hydration of ethene. Conversely, ethene can be recovered from ethanol via catalytic vapor-phase dehydration.
State the name of the specific enzyme catalyst found in yeast that facilitates the conversion of sugars to ethanol.
Complete the chemical equation for this anaerobic process by identifying the molecular formula of the missing substance XXX:
C6H12O6→2X+2CO2 \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 \rightarrow 2X + 2\text{CO}_2 C6H12O6→2X+2CO2State the catalyst and the typical pressure range (including units) required for the industrial hydration of ethene.
State the type of reaction that occurs during this industrial process.
Suggest two distinct chemical or economic advantages of using the direct hydration of ethene instead of anaerobic fermentation.
Suggest one ecological or resource-based reason why a nation might choose fermentation as its primary route for ethanol production.
Write a balanced chemical equation for the vapor-phase dehydration of ethanol using a heated alumina (Al2O3\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3Al2O3) catalyst.
State the classification (type) of this reaction.
15 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Alcohols. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.