Etanolivesi

Etanolivesi, or ethanol–water, refers to any homogeneous binary liquid mixture of ethanol (C2H5OH) and water (H2O). The two liquids are completely mutually soluble in all proportions, so the composition can range from pure water to pure ethanol. The physical properties of etanolivesi depend on the ethanol content and temperature. A key feature is the ethanol–water azeotrope at standard pressure, containing about 95.6% ethanol by volume and 4.4% water, which boils at roughly 78.1–78.2°C. Because of this azeotrope, simple distillation cannot produce higher-purity ethanol than about 95–96% v/v at 1 atm; achieving anhydrous ethanol requires dehydration techniques or azeotropic/distillation with entrainers.

The mixture’s density, refractive index, and boiling behavior vary with composition. Ethanol–water solutions are fully miscible in all proportions and are widely used as solvents in chemistry and industry, as well as the basis for alcoholic beverages produced by fermentation. They also serve as fuel components and as laboratory solvents in various applications.

In fermentation, yeast converts sugars to ethanol in an aqueous medium, yielding beverages such as beer and wine with typical ethanol contents ranging from a few percent up to about 15% v/v. Industrial processes can produce higher concentrations before dehydration or further processing.

Safety: Ethanol–water mixtures are flammable; ethanol vapors can form explosive mixtures with air. Liquids and vapors can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. Proper ventilation, avoidance of ignition sources, and standard handling precautions are advised.