# Ethanol can be produced by two different methods: fermentation of glucose and the hydration of ethene. Compare these two methods of producing ethanol in terms of the conditions required and the type of process used.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Fermentation uses yeast / enzymes (as a catalyst) whereas hydration of ethene uses a catalyst of phosphoric acid
2. Fermentation occurs at a low/moderate temperature (around 25–37 °C) whereas hydration of ethene requires a high temperature
3. Fermentation occurs at normal/atmospheric pressure whereas hydration of ethene requires high pressure
4. Fermentation is a batch process whereas hydration of ethene is a continuous process
5. Fermentation uses a renewable resource (glucose/sugar/biomass) whereas hydration of ethene uses a non-renewable resource (ethene/crude oil/fossil fuels)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-can-be-produced-by-two-3f1eb710) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.