# Ethanol can be produced by two different industrial methods: fermentation of glucose and the hydration of ethene. Describe both methods and explain one advantage of using fermentation over hydration of ethene to produce ethanol.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 10.3 Alcohols and carboxylic acids (Chem only) · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fermentation: glucose is converted to ethanol (and carbon dioxide) by yeast / enzymes (at around room temperature / moderate temperature)
2. Hydration of ethene: ethene reacts with steam (in the presence of an acid catalyst / phosphoric acid catalyst) at high temperature and pressure to form ethanol
3. One advantage of fermentation: uses a renewable resource / raw material (glucose / sugar from plants / crops) whereas hydration uses ethene from crude oil (a finite/non-renewable resource)
4. Explanation of advantage is linked to context: crude oil is a finite/non-renewable resource OR glucose/sugar crops can be regrown/replenished, making fermentation more sustainable long-term

## 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 Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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-e433e2f8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.