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Alcohols contain an OH group attached to a carbon framework. Ethanol can be made by fermentation of sugars under warm anaerobic conditions or by reacting ethene with steam using a catalyst. Alcohols burn, react with suitable oxidising agents and can form esters. Fermentation gives a dilute solution requiring separation, while the ethene route uses a different feedstock and industrial conditions. Compare energy, purity, rate and source sustainability.
Video by Cognito. The video’s own board label is retained; follow the specification reference and scope notes on this lesson for assessed content.
Viewing focus: Describe alcohol reactions and ethanol production
After watching, attempt these questions before opening the answers. You can also use the written lesson below.
After watching 1: What functional group defines an alcohol?
OH attached to carbon. The hydroxyl group distinguishes the family.
After watching 2: What product accompanies an ester in acid–alcohol esterification?
Water. The reaction is a condensation.
What you'll be able to do
Alcohols contain an OH group attached to a carbon framework. Ethanol can be made by fermentation of sugars under warm anaerobic conditions or by reacting ethene with steam using a catalyst. Alcohols burn, react with suitable oxidising agents and can form esters. Fermentation gives a dilute solution requiring separation, while the ethene route uses a different feedstock and industrial conditions. Compare energy, purity, rate and source sustainability.
Oxidation of ethanol can produce ethanoic acid. Carboxylic acids contain COOH, dissolve to different extents and are weak acids because they only partially ionise in water. They react with bases and carbonates to form salts. Weak does not mean harmless or dilute; it describes ionisation. The word ethanoic identifies two carbons, including the carboxyl carbon, so count that carbon when drawing a formula.
An alcohol and carboxylic acid can react with an acid catalyst to form an ester and water. The ester name starts with the alcohol-derived alkyl group, followed by the acid-derived part ending in -oate. Ethanol and ethanoic acid form ethyl ethanoate. Many esters have characteristic smells and are used as solvents or flavourings, but an odour is not a safe or conclusive identification method. Use the structure and reaction evidence.
Attempt these problems on paper before opening the worked reasoning. Explain your steps as well as giving a final answer.
Common mistakes to avoid
Key takeaways
Question 1: Why is ethanoic acid called weak?
It partially ionises in aqueous solution.
Check the assessed scope and practical or mathematical requirements.
An external explanation or interactive activity to use alongside the lesson. It may include extension material.
Close the notes and answer from memory. Revisit any explanation you cannot yet reconstruct.
Test yourself
Answer a few questions, then review anything you missed.
Start with the quiz above to check the key ideas. You can also choose another topic from the practice library.