Adsorption equilibrium assays were carried out in order to find adsorbents selective for ethanol to use in a fermentation process. Three hydrophobic adsorbents - silicalite, ZSM-5 and CMS-5A - were tested. Results of adsorption equilibrium at 298 K of ethanol, glucose, fructose and glycerol from aqueous solutions of each single solute are given. Ethanol adsorption isotherms were described by Langmuir-type equations. Some kinetic assays of ethanol adsorption are also presented The results obtained appear to be useful for practicioners on the fermentation-processes field