At what temperature is ethanol typically manufactured using ethene and steam?

Ethanol is manufactured from ethene and steam through a process known as hydration, which is usually conducted at elevated temperatures and pressures to optimize the reaction rate and yield. In industrial settings, the typical temperature for this process is around 300°C.

This high temperature helps to ensure that the ethene gas reacts efficiently with steam to form ethanol. The reaction is endothermic, meaning that heat is absorbed, and higher temperatures help to shift the equilibrium to produce more ethanol according to Le Chatelier's principle. Operating at 300°C strikes a balance between maximizing the reaction rate and minimizing the production of byproducts.

While lower temperatures, such as 25°C or even 150°C, could theoretically conduct the reaction, they would lead to much slower reaction times and reduced ethanol yield. Furthermore, extremely high temperatures would not be practical for the process, which is why the 300°C option is appropriate for this industrial reaction.