Question

Write three chemical properties of Ethanol. Why is it used a fuel?

Answer 1

Chemical properties of Ethanol :

• It is a monohydric primary alcohol. It melts at - 117.3°C and boils at 78.5°C.
  
• It is miscible (i.e., mixes without separation) with water in all proportions
• Ethanol forms a constant-boiling mixture, or azeotrope, with water that contains 95% ethanol and 5% water
  
• Ethanol burns in air with a blue flame, forming carbon dioxide and water. It reacts with active metals to form the metal ethoxide and hydrogen, e.g., with sodium it forms sodium ethoxide. It reacts with certain acids to form esters, e.g., with acetic acid it forms ethyl acetate. It can be oxidized to form acetic acid and acetaldehyde. It can be dehydrated to form diethyl ether or, at higher temperatures, ethylene.

Ethanol as fuel:

Ethanol does not occur naturally in any eco-system. It is produced through the processes of fermentation and distillation. While the energy based use of Ethanol fuel is new, it has been part of our lives for a very long time. It is used as a fuel due to its following advantages:

• Ethanol fuel is cost effective compared to other biofuels: Ethanol fuel is the least expensive energy source since virtually every country has the capability to produce it. Corn, sugar cane or grain grows in almost every country which makes the production economical compared to fossil fuels. Fossils fuels can play against the economy of most countries, especially, developing countries that have no capacity to explore them. It, thus, makes sense for these growing economies to dwell on the production of ethanol fuel to dial back on the dependence of fossil fuel in order to save revenue.
• Ecologically effective One striking advantage of ethanol over other fuel sources is that it does not cause pollution to the environment. Using ethanol fuel to power automobiles results in significantly low levels of toxins in the environment.
  
• Minimizes global warming: Global warming is caused by the relentless emission of dangerous greenhouse gases emanation from the use of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal). Combustion of ethanol fuel only releases carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide released is ineffective regarding environment degradation.
• Easily accessible: Since ethanol is a biofuel, it is easily accessible to virtually everyone. Biofuel means energy derived from plants like sugarcane, grains, and corn. All tropical climates support the growth of sugarcane. Grain and corn grow in every country. In fact, corn is a staple food in most countries in Africa.