etilalkohol

Etilalkohol, also known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol, is a simple hydrocarbon derivative with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is miscible with water and most common organic solvents.

It is produced naturally by fermentation of sugars by yeast; widely obtained from grains, fruits, or sugarcane. Industrially, ethanol is also produced by hydration of ethene (ethylene) using acid catalysts, a route that does not require sugars.

Ethanol has a boiling point of 78.37 C and is highly flammable. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it a versatile polar solvent. Its physical properties support its use in both consumer and industrial contexts.

Applications include production of beverages such as beer and spirits; use as a solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and manufacturing; disinfection at final concentrations of about 60–95% in sanitizers; and as a fuel or fuel additive (bioethanol, found in blends like E10 or E85). It also serves as a chemical feedstock for the production of acetates and various ethyl esters.

Safety and regulation: ethanol is intoxicating and can be harmful in high doses, causing coma or death. It is metabolized to acetaldehyde and then to acetic acid; chronic use can lead to liver disease and other health problems. It is flammable and its vapors can form explosive mixtures in air under certain conditions. Denatured ethanol is treated to be unfit for drinking by additives, and methanol or other contaminants must be avoided in potable contexts. Regulatory standards for production, labeling, and use vary by country.

Etilalkohol is a globally important chemical with both beverage and industrial roles, and the term is used in several languages as the standard name for ethanol.