Etüülvinüülalkohol

Etüülvinüülalkohol, more commonly known as ethanol, is a chemical compound with the formula C2H5OH. It is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a distinctive odor. Ethanol is a primary alcohol, meaning the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom.

Ethanol is produced through various methods, primarily fermentation of sugars by yeasts or by the hydration of ethylene. Fermentation is a biological process where microorganisms convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The hydration of ethylene, a petrochemical process, is another significant industrial route for ethanol production.

This compound is widely used in a multitude of applications. It serves as a solvent in many industrial processes and in the production of paints, varnishes, and pharmaceuticals. Ethanol is also a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages, where its consumption produces intoxicating effects. Furthermore, it is utilized as a fuel additive, often blended with gasoline to improve octane rating and reduce emissions. In laboratory settings, ethanol is a common reagent and solvent for various chemical reactions and analyses. Due to its disinfectant properties, it is also found in hand sanitizers and antiseptic wipes.