What is ethanol made from?

Ethanol is primarily made from plants, specifically from carbohydrate-rich crops such as corn, sugarcane, and various types of biomass. During the fermentation process, yeast breaks down the sugars present in these plant materials, producing ethanol as a byproduct. This biofuel is renewable and can be produced sustainably, contributing to its popularity as an alternative to fossil fuels.

The other options refer to sources that do not constitute primary materials for ethanol production. Fossil fuels are derived from ancient organic matter and do not include plant-based components. Minerals are inorganic substances and are not suitable for the biochemical processes involved in ethanol production. Synthetic compounds, while they can be produced in a lab or factory setting, do not stem from natural fermentation processes of plant materials. Thus, the correct understanding of ethanol's origin as a plant-derived product underscores its role in sustainable energy solutions.