Etanolt

Etanolt, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a simple aliphatic alcohol with the chemical formula C2H6O (often written as C2H5OH). It is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. Ethanol is the primary type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, but it is also produced industrially and widely used as a solvent, fuel additive, and chemical feedstock. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and forms a maximum-boiling azeotrope with water at standard pressure around high ethanol concentrations.

Production and sourcing

Ethanol is predominantly produced by fermentation of sugars using yeast, typically from sugar-rich crops such as sugar cane, corn, or beets. In industry, it can also be produced by the catalytic hydration of ethene, followed by purification and dehydration. Denatured forms, which contain additives to make them unfit for drinking, are commonly used as industrial solvents and cleaning agents.

Uses and applications

In beverages, ethanol is the intoxicating component. Industrially, it serves as a versatile solvent for inks, coatings, detergents, and pharmaceuticals, and as a chemical intermediate for various products. It is also used as a renewable fuel or fuel additive (bioethanol) to reduce reliance on fossil hydrocarbons. Denatured ethanol is widely used in laboratories and for sanitation where drinking is not intended.

Safety and regulation

Ethanol is flammable and can be irritating to skin, eyes, and the respiratory system. At high doses it has toxic and depressant effects on the central nervous system. Its production, handling, and use are subject to regulatory controls, including restrictions on consumption of undenatured forms and labeling requirements for denatured products.