Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene)

C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH

Aperçu

Ethylene reacts with steam over a phosphoric acid catalyst at 300 C and 60-70 atm to produce ethanol. This is the primary industrial method for synthetic ethanol production. The reaction follows Markovnikov's rule.

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 used in hand sanitizers, solvents, and chemical manufacturing is often produced by this process.

Importance industrielle

This is one of the largest-volume industrial organic reactions, producing millions of tonnes of ethanol for solvents, chemical synthesis, and fuel blending.

Propriétés

Type
Synthesis
Réversible
Oui
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-44,2 kJ/mol
Catalyseur
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) on silica

Réactions associées

Formation of Calcium Hydroxide Formation of Carbon Monoxide Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide Formation of Potassium Chloride Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate Formation of Sodium Peroxide Formation of Silicon Dioxide Formation of Tungsten Carbide Formation of Copper(II) Sulfide Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene)?
The balanced equation is: C₂H₄ + H₂O → C₂H₅OH.
What type of reaction is Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene)?
Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene) is a synthesis reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene) exothermic or endothermic?
Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -44.2 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Synthesis of Ethanol (Hydration of Ethylene)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) on silica).