Making ethanol by the hydration of ethene
3 marks · EasyWhat proportion of ethene typically reacts in a single pass through the hydration process?
Describe what happens to the remainder of the ethene.
Explain why this recycling of ethene is important for industry.
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(a) Only a small proportion (e.g. about 15%) reacts each time.
(b) It is recycled/reused in the process.
(c) Recycling increases the total yield of ethanol and reduces waste so the process is more efficient and cost-effective.
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Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · States that only a small proportion (about 10–15%) reacts in one pass.
B1 (b) · 1 mark · Describes that the rest/unreacted ethene is recycled.
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Explains that recycling increases yield, improves efficiency, or reduces waste/cost.
Worked solution
a) Only a small proportion of ethene reacts in one pass (about 15%).
b) The rest of the ethene is recycled and sent through the process again.
c) Recycling is important as it increases the total yield of ethanol and reduces wastage, making the process more efficient and cost-effective for industry.