very-high Fermentation equation (2 marks): Must include glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide. Don't forget the CO₂!
very-high Compare fermentation vs hydration (4 marks): Environmental impact, raw materials, speed, purity — must compare, not just describe one method.
high Functional group questions (1 mark): "-OH" — must include the dash showing it is attached to the carbon chain.
medium Carbon neutrality (2 marks): Bioethanol is approximately carbon neutral because the CO₂ released was recently absorbed by the plant crops used to make the sugar.
Edexcel 1CH0: Examined in Paper 2 (1CH0/2). Edexcel CP9 (combustion of alcohols) and CP13 (properties of alcohols) are testable — know the functional group, reactions, and fermentation. In Edexcel-style questions, the command word "Suggest" appears frequently — use your chemistry knowledge to apply to an unfamiliar context.
This exam focus covers Exam Focus: Alcohols within Alcohols for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Alcohols in Organic Chemistry for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Alcohols
What is the functional group present in all alcohols?
Explain what happens when ethanol reacts with sodium metal. Include a balanced equation in your answer.