# Ethanol can be produced by two different methods: fermentation of glucose, and the hydration of ethene. Compare these two methods of producing ethanol, including the raw materials used and the conditions required for each method.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 2.4 Organic compounds · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Fermentation uses glucose / sugar (from plants) as the raw material, whereas hydration of ethene uses ethene (from crude oil / a non-renewable source).
2. Fermentation uses yeast / enzymes to carry out the reaction.
3. Fermentation requires a low / warm temperature (approximately 25–37 °C) and no oxygen / anaerobic conditions.
4. Hydration of ethene requires a high temperature and high pressure.
5. Fermentation produces a dilute solution of ethanol which must be distilled / concentrated, whereas hydration of ethene produces purer ethanol directly / in a continuous process.

## Key terms

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

## 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)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-can-be-produced-by-two-ac535e21) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.