Ethanol | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Introduction

• Ethanol is an important organic compound with various applications, including its use as a fuel and solvent.
• It can be produced through fermentation and from petroleum by-products.
• Local examples of fermentation and distillation include gin production from palm wine and other sources, as well as the production of glycerol as a polyhydric alkanol.
• Alkanols belong to the class of organic compounds known as alcohols. They are characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a carbon atom.

Production of Ethanol by Fermentation

• Ethanol can be produced by the fermentation of sugars using yeast or bacteria.
• The process involves the conversion of glucose or other sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
• Yeast enzymes break down the sugars into ethanol through a series of chemical reactions.
• The main sources of sugar for fermentation include corn, sugarcane, molasses, and fruits.

Production of Ethanol from Petroleum By-Products

• Ethanol can also be produced from petroleum by-products, such as ethylene.
• Ethylene is obtained from crude oil or natural gas and is then hydrated to form ethanol.
• The process involves the reaction of ethylene with steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce ethanol.

Local Examples of Fermentation and Distillation

• In many local communities, traditional methods of fermentation and distillation are used to produce alcoholic beverages.
• One such example is the production of gin from palm wine, which involves the fermentation of palm sap followed by distillation.
• Other local sources of fermentation and distillation include fermented grains, fruits, and herbs to produce traditional alcoholic beverages.

Glycerol as a Polyhydric Alkanol

• Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycerine, is a polyhydric alkanol.
• It has three hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a carbon backbone.
• Glycerol is produced as a by-product during the manufacturing process of soap, biodiesel, and other products.
• It finds applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a food additive.

Comparison of Various Classes of Alkanols

• Alkanols can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group is attached.
• Primary alkanols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom.
• Secondary alkanols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms.
• Tertiary alkanols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms.
• The reactivity and physical properties of alkanols vary depending on their class and molecular structure.

Conclusion

• Ethanol can be produced through fermentation of sugars or from petroleum by-products.
• Local examples of fermentation and distillation include gin production from palm wine and the production of glycerol.
• Alkanols belong to the class of alcohols and can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom to which the hydroxyl group is attached.
• Understanding the production processes and various classes of alkanols is important in determining their applications and significance in alternative energy sources.