Etyylialkoholi

Etyylialkoholi, also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. It is the most common alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is widely used as a solvent, a fuel additive, and a disinfectant. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or by chemical synthesis from ethylene, a by‑product of petroleum refining.

Ethanol is a colorless, volatile liquid that is miscible with water. In its pure form it has a faint odor and a mildly sweet taste. The effects of ingesting ethanol include psychoactive properties such as euphoria and relaxation, followed by impaired motor coordination, judgment, and perception. Chronic consumption can lead to health problems ranging from liver disease to addiction.

In industrial applications, ethyl alcohol serves as a solvent for essential oils, a cleaning agent, and a key component in the manufacture of plastics and pharmaceuticals. It is also used in the production of denatured alcohol, which is ethanol mixed with chemicals to make it unfit for consumption.

Ethanol is regulated in many countries under the legal drinking age and is subject to taxation and labeling requirements. Public health agencies monitor the consumption of alcoholic beverages to mitigate risks such as alcohol poisoning, drunk driving, and social harm. Efforts to reduce alcohol-related harm include education campaigns, limits on advertising, and support for treatment of alcohol dependence.