As a chemical expert with a strong background in organic chemistry, I'd like to provide a comprehensive explanation of the hydration of ethene. The hydration of ethene is a type of chemical reaction that involves the addition of water to a molecule, specifically an alkene like ethene (C2H4). This reaction is an example of an electrophilic addition, which is a fundamental concept in organic chemistry.

**Step 1: Understanding the Hydration Reaction**
The hydration of ethene can be described as the reaction where water (H2O) is added across the double bond of ethene to form ethanol (C2H5OH). This is a significant industrial process because it is one of the methods used to produce ethanol, which is a widely used solvent and a precursor to various industrial chemicals.

Step 2: The Role of Catalysts
In the industrial process, heated phosphoric acid is indeed used as a catalyst to speed up the reaction. Catalysts are substances that increase the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. Phosphoric acid, when heated, provides a more reactive environment that facilitates the addition of water to the ethene molecule.

Step 3: The Mechanism of Hydration
The mechanism of the hydration of ethene involves several steps. Initially, the double bond of ethene acts as a nucleophile, attacking a proton (H+) from the phosphoric acid to form a carbocation intermediate. This carbocation is an electron-deficient species that is highly reactive. The water molecule then acts as a nucleophile, attacking the carbocation, which leads to the formation of an oxonium ion. Finally, the oxonium ion rearranges to form ethanol and regenerate the acid catalyst.

**Step 4: Sustainability and Renewable Resources**
Regarding the sustainability of the process, it's important to note that the classification of ethanol as a non-renewable fuel is not entirely accurate in the context of the hydration of ethene. While it's true that ethene is often derived from crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource, the term "non-renewable" is more appropriately applied to the source of the raw material rather than the product itself. Ethanol can be considered a renewable fuel when it is produced from biomass through fermentation or other biological processes. However, when produced from petrochemical sources like ethene, its sustainability is tied to the sustainability of the source material.

Step 5: Industrial Significance
The industrial significance of the hydration of ethene extends beyond the production of ethanol. Ethanol is a versatile compound used in the synthesis of various chemicals, including ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze, and as a raw material for the production of polyester fibers. Additionally, ethanol is a key component in the fuel industry, where it is blended with gasoline to increase octane rating and reduce emissions.

Step 6: Environmental Considerations
From an environmental perspective, the hydration of ethene and the production of ethanol are subject to scrutiny. The use of non-renewable resources and the energy-intensive processes involved in cracking crude oil to obtain ethene are significant concerns. There is ongoing research into alternative, more sustainable methods of producing ethanol, such as through cellulosic ethanol production from non-food plant fibers or through the direct air capture and conversion of carbon dioxide.

In conclusion, the hydration of ethene is a complex and multifaceted process with significant industrial applications. It is a cornerstone of the petrochemical industry and contributes to the production of a wide range of consumer goods. As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, the methods of producing chemicals like ethanol will continue to evolve to meet environmental and sustainability standards.

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Heated phosphoric acid is used as a catalyst to speed up the reaction. Ethanol made by the hydration of ethene is a non-renewable fuel. This is because ethene is produced by cracking crude oil fractions, and crude oil itself is a non-renewable resource.read more >>