Hydration of Ethylene

C2H4 + H2O → C2H5OH

Overview

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

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Ethylene C₂H₄ 1 (g)
Reactant Water H₂O 1 (g)
Product Ethanol C₂H₅OH 1 (l)

Everyday Example

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

Industrial Importance

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

Properties

Type
Organic
Reversible
Yes
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-44.0 kJ/mol
Catalyst
Phosphoric acid on silica

Related Reactions

Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde Amide Formation (Acetic Acid + Ammonia) Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation Beckmann Rearrangement (Cyclohexanone Oxime) Bromination of Ethylene Buchwald-Hartwig Amination Cannizzaro Reaction of Formaldehyde Catalytic Hydrogenation of Ethylene Claisen Condensation (Ethyl Acetate) Condensation Polymerization (Nylon 6,6)

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).