ETHANOL
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid commonly used as a biofuel, a solvent, and in alcoholic beverages. Here are some key points about ethanol:
Chemical Properties
Formula: C₂H₅OH
Molecular Weight: 46.07 g/mol
Boiling Point: 78.37 °C (173.07 °F)
Density: 0.789 g/cm³ at 20°C
Production
Fermentation: Ethanol is primarily produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast. This process is used in the production of alcoholic beverages and biofuels. Common feedstocks include corn, sugar cane, and other biomass materials.
Synthetic Production: Ethanol can also be produced by the hydration of ethylene in the presence of a catalyst, often used for industrial purposes.
Uses
- Fuel: Ethanol is blended with gasoline to produce E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) and E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve engine performance.
- Beverages: it is the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks, including beer, wine, and spirits.
- Solvent: Ethanol is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products due to its solvent properties.
- Antiseptic: used in hand sanitizers and medical wipes for their antimicrobial properties.
- Industrial Applications: Ethanol is used in the manufacture of various chemicals, including ethyl acetate and acetic acid.
Environmental Impact
- Renewable Resource: As a biofuel, ethanol is renewable and can reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
- Emission Reduction: Ethanol-blended fuels burn cleaner than pure gasoline, reducing emissions of CO and particulate matter.
- Land Use: Large-scale production of ethanol from crops can impact land use and food supply, leading to debates about its sustainability.
