# Ethanol is an alcohol that can be produced by the fermentation of glucose. Describe the fermentation process and explain why ethanol is classified as an alcohol.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Describe and Explain · 5 marks

> Ethanol is widely used as a fuel and as a solvent in industry. It can be manufactured by fermentation of glucose using yeast.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Yeast is used / enzymes in yeast act as a catalyst
2. Glucose is broken down / converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide
3. The process occurs in the absence of oxygen / anaerobic conditions
4. Ethanol contains the hydroxyl / –OH functional group
5. The –OH group is bonded to a carbon atom / hydrocarbon chain (making it an alcohol)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-is-an-alcohol-that-can-48c6f507) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.