Etanooli

Etanooli, commonly known in English as ethanol, is a simple aliphatic alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature with a characteristic odor and is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is highly flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air.

Etanooli occurs naturally in fermented foods and beverages and is produced commercially by two main routes. The dominant method is fermentation of sugars by yeast to yield beverage-grade ethanol; a second route is catalytic hydration of ethene to give industrial ethanol. Feedstocks include sugar crops such as corn and sugarcane, as well as grains and molasses.

Uses include as a solvent in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries; as a fuel or fuel additive (bioethanol) used in blended gasoline; and as a disinfectant and antiseptic in medical and consumer products. It is also a key feedstock for chemical synthesis and is widely used in hand sanitizers and cleaning products.

Safety and regulation: Etanooli is highly flammable; vapors can travel and ignite from distant sources. Ingestion causes intoxication; chronic use can damage the liver, nervous system, and other organs. Denatured ethanol, which contains additives such as methanol or denatonium benzoate, is unsuitable for consumption and is regulated in many jurisdictions.

Environmental and economic aspects: When produced from renewable feedstocks, ethanol can reduce net greenhouse gas emissions relative to fossil fuels, though outcomes depend on feedstock, energy inputs, and land-use considerations. Global production is influenced by policy, subsidies, and advances in fermentation and catalytic processes.