Hydration of Ethylene

C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH

Aperçu

Ethylene undergoes acid-catalyzed hydration to form ethanol. This is the primary industrial method for producing synthetic ethanol, using phosphoric acid on a silica support at 300 C and 70 atm. The reaction is exothermic but requires high temperature for kinetic reasons.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Réactif Water H₂O 1 (g)
Produit Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)

Exemple du quotidien

Industrial ethanol for solvents, fuels, and chemical feedstock is primarily produced by this catalytic hydration of ethylene from petroleum.

Importance industrielle

Over 5 million tonnes of synthetic ethanol are produced annually by ethylene hydration, mainly for industrial solvent and chemical intermediate use.

Propriétés

Type
Organic
Réversible
Oui
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-44,0 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
Phosphoric acid on silica

Réactions associées

Swern Oxidation Oxidation of Secondary Alcohol to Ketone Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Kolbe Electrolysis Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6) Cope Rearrangement Epoxidation of Alkenes (mCPBA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Hydration of Ethylene?
The balanced equation is: C₂H₄ + H₂O → C₂H₅OH.
What type of reaction is Hydration of Ethylene?
Hydration of Ethylene is a organic reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Hydration of Ethylene exothermic or endothermic?
Hydration of Ethylene is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -44.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Hydration of Ethylene?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Phosphoric acid on silica).