Ethanol

Definition: Ethanol is a chemical compound, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, with the molecular formula C2H5OH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is primarily used as a solvent, fuel, and as an intoxicating beverage.

Properties

Physical Properties:

  • Molecular Weight: 46.07 g/mol
  • Boiling Point: 78.4 ℃
  • Density: 0.789 g/cm3
  • Melting Point: -114.14 ℃
  • Odor: Characteristic alcoholic smell

Chemical Properties:

  • Chemical Formula: C2H5OH
  • Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
  • pH: ~7 (neutral)
  • Reactivity: Can undergo oxidation to form acetic acid

Production

Fermentation:

Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars, typically derived from agricultural crops such as corn, sugarcane, or cellulosic biomass. The process involves the enzymatic conversion of glucose into ethanol by yeast or bacteria under anaerobic conditions.

Distillation:

The fermented mixture is then subjected to distillation, a process in which ethanol is separated from impurities and concentrated to obtain a higher purity. Distillation is usually performed using fractional distillation column or simple distillation apparatus.

Uses

Ethanol has several important applications in various industries:

  1. Fuel: Ethanol is used as a biofuel and is added to gasoline in varying concentrations. It serves as a renewable and cleaner alternative to fossil fuels.
  2. Solvent: Due to its ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds, ethanol is widely used as a solvent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
  3. Beverage: Ethanol is the main active ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It has been consumed by humans for centuries for its intoxicating effects.
  4. Medical: Ethanol is used in the medical field as an antiseptic for sterilization, as an ingredient in certain medications, and as a preservative for biological specimens.
  5. Chemical Intermediate: It is a crucial intermediate in the production of various chemicals such as ethylene, ethylene oxide, acetic acid, and ethylbenzene.