3.11 evaluate the factors relevant to the choice of method used in the manufacture of ethanol, for example the relative availability of sugar cane and crude oil

Fermentation vs Hydration of Ethene

	Fermentation	Hydration of Ethene
Raw Materials	Use renewable sources	Uses non-renewable crude oil
Type of process	Batch process	Continuous process
Rate of reaction	Very slow	Fast
Quality of Product	Produces a dilute solution of ethanol that needs processing for pure ethanol	Produces pure ethanol
Reaction conditions	Low temperatures required	High temps and pressures means increased cost

The method chosen depends on many factors:

• If you have a climate suited to growing sugar cane then fermentation's better but if crude oil is more widely available then hydration of ethene is better.
• If a dilute solution of ethanol is required for the production of wine or vinegar then fermentation is better
• If pure ethanol is required is required for a solvent then the hydration of ethene would be better.