Ethanol is produced industrially by the acid-catalyzed reaction of ethylene with water. The balanced equation for this reaction is as follows: C₂H₄(g) + H₂O(g) → C₂H₅OH(l)
If water is present in excess, how many grams of ethanol can be produced from 42.7 g of ethylene?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The balanced equation shows that 1 mole of ethylene reacts with 1 mole of water to produce 1 mole of ethanol. The molar mass of ethylene is 28.05 g/mol, and the molar mass of ethanol is 46.07 g/mol. Therefore, 42.7 g of ethylene will react with 42.7 g / 28.05 g/mol = 1.52 mol of ethylene. This will produce 1.52 mol of ethanol, which has a mass of 1.52 mol * 46.07 g/mol = 70.1 g.

Ethanol Is Produced Industrially by the Acid-Catalyzed Reaction of Ethylene