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Why can ethanol for use as a biofuel be produced from a variety of different plant
souces?
Write a balanced equation, including subscripts, for the combustion of ethanol in
a good air supply.
Explain why the use of ethanol as fuel can be considered to be carbon neutral.
A2.
a
b
c
Production of bioethanol utilises starch and cellulose which is found in all plants.
C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(g)
Bioethanol is derived from plants which consume carbon dioxide during
photosynthesis. This carbon dioxide is then released as a by-product of
combustion.
Q3.
It is possible to make biodiesel from animal fat as well as from vegetable oils.
a Assuming that the animal fat consists only of tristearin, which can be hydrolysed
to make stearic acid, C17H35COOH, write a balanced equation to represent how
this substance can react with methanol to form an ester.
b Write a balanced equation to represent the combustion of this biodiesel in a good
air supply.
A3.
a
b
Chapter review
Q4.
The world has become very dependent on the products of the petrochemical industry
but the raw materials of crude oil and natural gas are likely to be virtually exhausted
by 2100. Assuming that current production remains unchanged and no alternative
sources are available, suggest the impact of the lack of raw materials on our lifestyle.
A4.
Apart from the difficulties in daily travel, lack of crude oil and natural gas will make
transport of manufactured goods difficult and costly. It will also stop the production
of all the products that are derived from crude oilplastics, synthetic fibres, dyes,
paints, solvents, detergents and pharmaceuticals.
A6.
a
b
Q7.
What advantages does biodiesel have over petrodiesel? Are there any disadvantages to
its use?
A7.
Use of biodiesel does not add to the overall levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. It is also biodegradable, non-toxic and produces fewer pollutants when
burnt.
No real disadvantages other than the need to ensure a consistent supply for large-scale
use.
Q9.
Assuming that SunDiesel consists of molecules such as C18H38, write a balanced
equation for the combustion of this substance in a good air supply.
A9.
2C18H38(l) + 55O2(g) 36CO2(g) + 38H2O(g)
Q10.
What might be the advantages and disadvantages of using SunDiesel in place of
petrodiesel?
A10.
Advantages of SunDiesel behaves like normal diesel but is derived from a
renewable source that does not add to overall atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Disadvantage is a costly process involving inorganic catalysts.
Q11.
The reactions that produce ethanol can be summarised as:
A
Q13.
Ethanol is produced industrially by reacting ethene with water using a phosphoric acid
catalyst at 300C:
C2H4(g) + H2O(g) CH3CH2OH(g)
a Is ethanol produced by this method a biochemical fuel? Explain.
b Describe how ethanol classified as a biochemical fuel can be produced.
A13.
a
b
Biochemical fuels are derived from renewable resources such as plants. Ethene,
the feedstock used for the industrial production of ethanol, is derived from the
distillation and cracking of crude oil, a non-renewable resource.
Ethanol can be produced from the fermentation of sugar by yeasts. Sugar may be
derived from sugar cane or by the hydrolysis of starch from grains such as maize.
Q14.
Draw a concept map that includes the following terms: biochemical fuel, biodiesel,
ethanol, fermentation, sustainable.
A14.
A15.
a
b