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Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain
alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid with the chemical
formula C2H5OH. Here are some details about ethanol:
1. Chemical Formula: C2H5OH
2. CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Number: 64-17-5
3. Molecular Weight: Approximately 46.07
g/mol
4. : Physical Properties:
-
Appearance: Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature.
-
Odor: It has a characteristic, slightly sweet odor and taste.
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Density: Approximately 0.789 g/cm³ at 20°C (68°F).
-
Melting Point: -114.1°C (-173.4°F)
-
Boiling Point: 78.37°C (173.1°F)
-
Solubility: Miscible with water in all proportions.
5. : Chemical Properties:
-
Ethanol is a primary alcohol with a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
- It
is a polar molecule due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, which makes it
soluble in water and other polar solvents.
-
Ethanol undergoes various chemical reactions, including oxidation to form
acetaldehyde and further oxidation to form acetic acid.
- It
can act as a solvent for a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds,
making it useful in chemical synthesis and extraction processes.
6. Production:
-
Ethanol is primarily produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast or
bacteria in a process known as alcoholic fermentation.
- It
can also be produced by chemical synthesis from ethylene, a petrochemical
derived from petroleum or natural gas.
7. Uses:
-
Alcoholic Beverages: Ethanol is the main psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic
beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. It is consumed recreationally and
culturally worldwide.
-
Fuel: Ethanol is used as a biofuel additive in gasoline to reduce emissions and
enhance octane ratings. It can be derived from renewable sources such as corn,
sugarcane, or cellulosic biomass.
-
Solvent: Ethanol is widely used as a solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics,
personal care products, cleaning agents, and laboratory applications.
-
Chemical Intermediates: It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various
organic compounds, including acetic acid, ethylene, and ethyl acetate.
-
Antiseptic and Disinfectant: Ethanol is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant
for skin and surfaces due to its antimicrobial properties. It is commonly found
in hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays.
8. Health and Safety:
-
Ethanol is intoxicating when ingested in sufficient quantities and can impair
cognitive and motor functions. Excessive consumption can lead to alcohol
poisoning and other health problems.
- It
is flammable and should be handled with care. Vapors can form explosive
mixtures with air, and liquid ethanol can ignite if exposed to an ignition
source.
-
Ethanol should be stored in tightly sealed containers away from heat, flames,
and oxidizing agents.
Ethanol is a versatile chemical with widespread applications in various industries, including food and beverage, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, its psychoactive effects and flammability require responsible handling and usage.
If you need further information or have specific questions, feel free to ask!