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CAIE IGCSE Chemistry Fermentation vs Ethene Hydration

Practise comparing fermentation with catalytic ethene hydration using feedstock renewability, operating conditions, rate, continuity, purity and purification.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Chemistry 0620

Exam points

  • credit fermentation with renewable feedstock and lower temperature and pressure requirements
  • note that fermentation is slower, batch-based and gives dilute ethanol needing distillation
  • credit hydration with a fast continuous process and purer product but non-renewable ethene

11.6.4—Advantages and disadvantages of the question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Ethanol is manufactured by two methods:
method 1 fermentation of aqueous glucose
method 2 catalytic addition of steam to an alkene.

Give one advantage of each method of production of ethanol.
method 1
method 2

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