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Ethanol is made by fermentation of a carbohydrate dissolved in water, in the presence of yeast - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1

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Ethanol is made by fermentation of a carbohydrate dissolved in water, in the presence of yeast. The reaction is carried out at 30 °C. Explain why the reaction is c... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Ethanol is made by fermentation of a carbohydrate dissolved in water, in the presence of yeast - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1

Step 1

Explain why the reaction is carried out at a temperature of 30 °C rather than at a temperature of 80 °C.

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Answer

The fermentation process requires specific enzymes provided by yeast, which function optimally at around 30 °C. At higher temperatures, such as 80 °C, these enzymes can become denatured, rendering them ineffective and ultimately stopping the fermentation process. Therefore, to ensure the enzymes remain active and effective, the reaction is maintained at 30 °C.

Step 2

In this reaction ethanol is:

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Answer

In this reaction, ethanol is B) oxidised. The conversion of ethanol to ethanoic acid involves the loss of electrons and hydrogen, which classifies the process as oxidation.

Step 3

Draw the structure of a molecule of ethanoic acid, CH₃COOH, showing all covalent bonds.

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Answer

The structure of ethanoic acid is:

       O
       ||
    H--C--O--H
       |  
       C
      / 
    H   H

In this structure, all covalent bonds are depicted clearly, with hydrogen atoms attached to carbon and the functional carboxylic acid group (-COOH) shown.

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