Some Commercially Important Alcohols

The video tutorial explains the production and uses of methanol and ethanol. Methanol, also known as wood spirit, was traditionally produced by the destructive distillation of wood but is now made through catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. It is a colorless, highly poisonous liquid used as a solvent and in making formaldehyde. Ethanol is produced by fermenting sugars from sources like grapes, using enzymes like zymase. It is a colorless liquid used in industries as a solvent and in organic compound preparation. Ethanol is denatured to prevent consumption by adding copper sulfate and pyridine.

What is the modern method of producing methanol?

• Destructive distillation of wood

• Oxidation of ethanol

• Catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide

• Fermentation of sugars

Why is methanol considered dangerous?

• It is highly flammable

• It can cause blindness and death if ingested

• It reacts violently with water

• It is a strong acid

Which enzyme is responsible for converting glucose and fructose to ethanol?

• Zymase

• Protease

• Amylase

• Inverters

What happens when the alcohol content exceeds 14% during fermentation?

• The sugar content increases

• The solution becomes acidic

• The zymase enzyme is inhibited

• Fermentation speeds up

What is the purpose of denaturing ethanol?

• To enhance its flavor

• To make it suitable for industrial use

• To make it unfit for consumption

• To increase its boiling point