# Ethanol is a member of the alcohols homologous series and has many uses as a fuel and solvent. State the functional group present in all alcohols and describe TWO ways in which ethanol can be produced.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.5 Alcohols · State and Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The functional group present in all alcohols is –OH (hydroxyl group)
2. First method of production: fermentation of sugar solutions using yeast (produces ethanol anaerobically)
3. Second method of production: reaction of ethene with steam (hydration of ethene)
4. A phosphoric acid catalyst is used in the reaction of ethene with steam

## Key terms

- [functional group](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/functional-group)
- [homologous series](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homologous-series)
- [alcohols](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alcohols)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "State and 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-is-a-member-of-the-1fe31357) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.