Chapter 16, Problem 16.86SP

Ethanol is manufactured in industry by the hydration of ethylene:

${\text{CH}}_2={\text{CH}}_2\left(g\right)+{\text{H}}_2\text{O}\left(l\right)\to {\text{CH}}_{\text{3}}{\text{CH}}_{\text{2}}\text{OH}\left(l\right)$

Using the data in Appendix B, calculate ΔG° and show that this reaction is spontaneous at 25 °C. Why does this reaction become nonspontaneous at higher temperatures? Estimate the temperature at which the reaction becomes nonspontaneous.