etüülalkohol

Etüülalkohol, also known as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a distinctive odor. It is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH. Ethanol is produced industrially through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or by the hydration of ethylene. It is a widely used solvent and is also found in alcoholic beverages.

In beverages, ethanol is produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast. Yeast consumes sugars and converts them into ethanol and carbon dioxide. The concentration of ethanol in fermented beverages varies depending on the type of beverage and the fermentation process. Distillation can be used to increase the ethanol content of beverages.

Ethanol has numerous industrial applications. It is a common solvent for paints, varnishes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a fuel, either pure or blended with gasoline, and is known as biofuel. Ethanol can be denatured, meaning substances are added to make it unfit for consumption, to prevent its use as a beverage and to avoid taxes on alcoholic drinks.

When consumed, ethanol is metabolized in the body, primarily in the liver. It is a central nervous system depressant and can cause intoxication, impaired judgment, and loss of motor coordination. Chronic heavy consumption can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage, addiction, and neurological disorders. Ethanol is also an irritant and can cause skin and eye irritation.