11.6

Esters

8 flashcards to master Esters

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Definition Flip

Describe the conditions necessary for the fermentation of aqueous glucose to produce ethanol.

Answer Flip

Fermentation requires aqueous glucose at 25–35 °C in the presence of yeast and in the absence of oxygen. Yeast provides enzymes to convert glucose into ethanol.

Key Concept Flip

Outline the catalytic addition of steam to ethene for ethanol production, including conditions.

Answer Flip

Ethene reacts with steam at 300 °C and 6000kPa (60 atm) in the presence of an acid catalyst (e.g., phosphoric acid). This produces ethanol.

Example: C₂H₄(g) + H₂O(g) → C₂H₅OH(g)
Key Concept Flip

Write the balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of ethanol.

Answer Flip

C₂H₅OH(l) + 3O₂(g) → 2CO₂(g) + 3H₂O(g). Complete combustion requires sufficient oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water.

Definition Flip

State two common uses of ethanol.

Answer Flip

Ethanol is used as a solvent and as a fuel. As a solvent, it dissolves many organic compounds. As a fuel, it combusts readily to release energy.

Key Concept Flip

What are the advantages of manufacturing ethanol by fermentation?

Answer Flip

Fermentation uses renewable resources (glucose from plants). It can be done at lower temperatures and pressures compared to catalytic addition.

Key Concept Flip

What are the disadvantages of manufacturing ethanol by fermentation?

Answer Flip

Fermentation is a slow process. It produces a lower concentration of ethanol, requiring distillation. The process is also batch, not continuous.

Key Concept Flip

What are the advantages of manufacturing ethanol by catalytic addition of steam to ethene?

Answer Flip

Catalytic addition is a faster, continuous process. It produces a higher yield and concentration of ethanol compared to fermentation.

Key Concept Flip

What are the disadvantages of manufacturing ethanol by catalytic addition of steam to ethene?

Answer Flip

Catalytic addition requires high temperatures and pressures. Ethene is derived from non-renewable resources (crude oil).

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11.5 Carboxylic acids 11.7 Polymers

Key Questions: Esters

Describe the conditions necessary for the fermentation of aqueous glucose to produce ethanol.

Fermentation requires aqueous glucose at 25–35 °C in the presence of yeast and in the absence of oxygen. Yeast provides enzymes to convert glucose into ethanol.

State two common uses of ethanol.

Ethanol is used as a solvent and as a fuel. As a solvent, it dissolves many organic compounds. As a fuel, it combusts readily to release energy.

About Esters (11.6)

These 8 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Esters for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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