Making ethanol by the hydration of ethene
2 marks · EasyExplain why unreacted ethene is recycled during the production of ethanol by hydration of ethene.
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Also accept: to maximise the yield of ethanol; to improve efficiency of the process
Common mistakes: to speed up the reaction; to lower the temperature
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Explains that recycling allows unreacted ethene another chance to react.
A1 · 1 mark · Links recycling to maximising yield or improving efficiency.
Worked solution
Only a small proportion of ethene reacts in one pass. Recycling unreacted ethene allows it to react again, which maximises the yield of ethanol and improves the overall efficiency of the process.