Acetaldehyde, CH3CHO, can be produced by catalytic dehydrogenation of ethanol, C2H5OH, via the reaction:

C2H5OH -> CH3CHO + H2.

There is, however, a parallel reaction producing ethyl acetate, CH3COOC2H5:

2C2H5OH -> CH3COOC2H5 + 2H2.

Suppose that in a given reactor the conditions are adjusted so that a conversion of 95% ethanol is obtained with an 80% yield of acetaldehyde. Calculate, (i) the composition of the reactor product assuming the feed consists of pure ethanol and (ii) selectivity of acetaldehyde production relative to ethyl acetate production.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

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