The synthesis of ethanol from ethylene and water proceeds using the following reaction. C₂H₄(g) + H₂O(l) C₂H₅OH(l) ΔGº_rxn= -116.6 kJ/mol
Determine the Gibbs free energy if the pressure of the vessel is 325 atm at 570 K.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reaction is exergonic with a negative ΔGº. The high pressure favors the formation of liquid ethanol, making the reaction more spontaneous, thus decreasing ΔG further to -144.0 kJ/mol.

The Synthesis of Ethanol from Ethylene and Water Proceeds Using