Final answer:
Ethanol produced from biomass begins with starch, which is derived from crops like corn and sugar cane. The starch is fermented to create ethanol, an alcohol that can serve as a sustainable biofuel and fuel additive, and contributes to lower reliance on oil and decreased pollutant emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ethanol produced from biomass starts with starch produced by corn and sugar cane. This biofuel is created through a process that begins with the harvesting of biomass, such as corn or sugarcane, which is rich in starches and sugars. These starches and sugars are then fermented using yeast, which converts them into ethanol.
In the United States, corn is a common starting material for producing ethanol, while in Brazil, sugar cane is frequently used due to the climate.
Ethanol is an alcohol that lowers reliance on conventional oil and can improve the combustion efficiency of gasoline, reducing pollutant emissions when used as a fuel additive.
Ethanol is characterized by its chemical structure, where the terminating hydrogen on an ethane chain is replaced by a hydroxyl group (OH), making it ethyl alcohol.
Producing ethanol from biomass, such as corn and sugar cane, is an example of converting plant-based materials into renewable energy sources, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fuel options.