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Ethanol can be manufactured by the reaction between ethene and water - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 1
Ethanol can be manufactured by the reaction between ethene and water. This is represented by the equation $$C_2H_4(g) + H_2O(g) \rightarrow C_2H_5OH(g) \qquad \Delt... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Ethanol can be manufactured by the reaction between ethene and water - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which conditions would produce the highest percentage yield of ethanol at equilibrium?
Answer
To determine the conditions that yield the highest percentage of ethanol, we should consider Le Chatelier's principle. Given that the reaction is endothermic (as indicated by the positive ), increasing temperature favors the forward reaction, which produces more ethanol. Hence, a higher temperature will result in an increased yield of ethanol.
Next, we analyze pressure effects. The production of ethanol involves a decrease in the number of molecules since one mole of ethene reacts with one mole of water to produce one mole of ethanol. According to Le Chatelier's principle, increasing the pressure favors the side of the reaction with fewer gas molecules. Therefore, high pressure will also promote the forward reaction.
Based on these analyses, the best conditions for achieving the highest yield of ethanol at equilibrium would be:
Answer: B. high pressure and low temperature