Alcohol manufactured from water gas is: (a) Ethanol (b) Butanol (c) Isobutanol (d) Methanol

Methanol, also known as 'wood alcohol,' is a chemical with the formula CH₃OH. It is the simplest form of alcohol, and its production serves as a great example of applying basic principles of chemistry to industrial processes. Methanol synthesis typically involves the catalytic reaction of synthesis gas, commonly referred to as 'water gas,' which is a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H₂).

During the production process, these gases are reacted over a catalyst under high pressures and temperatures. The most widely used catalyst is a mixture of copper, zinc oxide, and alumina. This catalytic reaction follows the chemical equation: \[ CO + 2H_2 \rightarrow CH_3OH \]Given the right conditions, methanol is formed with water produced as a by-product. This reaction is significant because it transforms gases that could be sourced from natural gas or renewable biomass into a valuable liquid fuel or feedstock for other chemicals.

In our textbook exercise, methanol is identified as the alcohol which can be manufactured from water gas, in alignment with industrial methodologies for methanol production.

Understanding the catalytic reaction of water gas is crucial for comprehending how methanol is synthesized. A catalytic reaction is a chemical reaction that is sped up by the presence of a substance called a catalyst. Catalysts work by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. This does not change the reactants or the final products but allows the reaction to proceed more quickly and at lower temperatures or pressures than would be possible otherwise.

In the case of methanol synthesis, the catalyst aids in the reassembly of molecules of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to form methanol. The particular conditions of temperature and pressure, as well as the catalyst composition, are critical factors that must be optimized to ensure the highest yield of methanol.

To improve students' understanding of this process, it's important to note that catalysts are not consumed in the reaction and can be used repeatedly. They are fundamental in many industrial processes, not just in the production of methanol, but also in the manufacture of various other chemicals.

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. In the context of our exercise, understanding the chemical composition of alcohols is essential to identify the product of the catalytic reaction of water gas.

Alcohols can be categorized based on the number of carbon atoms they contain. For instance:

• Methanol (CH₃OH) has one carbon atom,
• Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) has two,
• Propanol (C₃H₇OH) has three,
• And so on.

These compounds all possess distinct physical and chemical properties that dictate their uses. Methanol is a simple molecule with one carbon, while other alcohols like ethanol, butanol, and isobutanol have more complex structures and heavier molecular weights.

From an educational standpoint, it is beneficial for students to relate the chemical composition of alcohols to their practical applications and production methods. This grounds abstract chemical concepts in real-world scenarios, enriching the learning experience and making the material more relatable.