With reference to the underlying chemistry and with relevant equations, assess the impacts on society of TWO uses of ethanol. - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 31 - 2060 - Paper 1

Ethanol serves as an effective solvent due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with both polar and non-polar substances. This chemical property is important in industries such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics where it is used for the extraction of active compounds. The positive impact on society includes improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes and supporting the development of new products through enhanced solubility. The equation for the solvation process can be represented as:

$C_2H_5OH + H_2O \rightarrow \text{solution}$

This demonstrates the miscibility of ethanol with water, highlighting its utility as a solvent.

Ethanol is dehydrated in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid to produce ethylene. The reaction can be represented as:

$C_2H_5OH \xrightarrow{H_2SO_4} C_2H_4 + H_2O$

The use of ethanol as a feedstock for ethylene has significant societal impacts, particularly in the plastics industry. Ethylene produced from biomass is a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, allowing for a transition towards renewable materials. However, the production processes must ensure that they do not exacerbate environmental issues associated with fossil fuel-derived ethylene.