# Butanol can be produced by two different methods: fermentation of sugars and the reaction of butene with steam. Compare these two methods of producing butanol, giving TWO differences between them.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.5 Alcohols · Compare · 4 marks

> Butanol is an alcohol used as an industrial solvent and as a biofuel. It can be produced from renewable or non-renewable sources depending on the manufacturing method chosen.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fermentation uses a biological catalyst (yeast / enzyme) whereas the reaction of butene with steam uses a chemical catalyst (phosphoric acid / acid catalyst)
2. Award second mark for a valid comparison of catalyst — mark as a pair with point 1 only if both sides of the comparison are stated
3. Fermentation uses a renewable starting material (sugars / glucose / biomass) whereas hydration of butene uses a non-renewable starting material (butene derived from crude oil / cracking)
4. Fermentation is carried out at low / room temperature (~30–40 °C) whereas the reaction of butene with steam requires a high temperature / elevated temperature and high pressure

## Key terms

- [fermentation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fermentation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/butanol-can-be-produced-by-two-72021a90) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.