3.9 describe the manufacture of ethanol by passing ethene and steam over a phosphoric acid catalyst at a temperature of about 300°C and a pressure of about 60–70 atm

Production of Ethanol

Ethanol can be produced in two ways - fermentation and direct hydration of ethene.

Hydration of Ethene:

1. A mixture of ethene and steam is passed over phosphoric acid catalyst at a temperature of 300°C and 60-70 atmospheres pressure. 

C₂H₄ + H₂O à C₂H₅OH

1. The ethanol is condensed as a liquid
2. The ethene required for this reaction is obtained from crude oil.