etanool

Etanol, commonly known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a simple two-carbon alcohol with the chemical formula C2H6O (CH3-CH2-OH). It is the primary type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is widely used as a solvent and industrial chemical. Ethanol is a colorless, highly flammable liquid that is miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its boiling point is 78.37°C at standard pressure, and its density is about 0.789 g/mL at 20°C.

Production methods include fermentation of sugars by yeast, which yields ethanol and carbon dioxide and forms the basis of beverage alcohol and many bioethanol processes. A separate industrial route is catalytic hydration of ethene (ethylene), producing high-purity ethanol for fuels and solvents. Ethanol can be denatured by adding denaturants to discourage drinking.

Uses are diverse: alcoholic beverages; a solvent for inks, varnishes, and pharmaceuticals; an antiseptic and disinfectant; and a biofuel component in gasoline blends. It is also used in laboratories and various industrial processes as a convenient, relatively safe solvent.

Safety and regulation: Ethanol is intoxicating and can be toxic in large doses. Acute ingestion can depress the central nervous system and may be fatal. Chronic heavy use can cause liver and other health problems. It is highly flammable and should be stored away from heat sources. Denatured ethanol contains additives that may be harmful if ingested.

History: Ethanol has been produced by humans for millennia through fermentation. The distillation of fermented products became common in the Middle Ages, enabling higher-purity alcohols and the modern industrial production of ethanol for beverages, disinfection, and fuels.