We investigated the effect of inhibitory compounds derived lignocellulosic hydrolysates on cell growth, sugar consumption and ethanol productivity, and also we intended to identify the potential for ethanol production based on lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Cell growth and ethanol production in the presence of acetate were initiated after 12 hr. Furans showed a longer lag time and phenolics showed a significant effect on strain and ethanol production in comparison to other model compounds. In the case of lignocellulosic hydrolysates, the acetate strongly affected cell growth and ethanol production.