Ethanol, also known as ethanol, grain alcohol, or ethanol, is a member of a class of organic compounds with the common name alcohol; its ethanol msds molecular formula is C2H5OH. Ethanol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent in the synthesis of other organic chemicals and as an additive in automobile gasoline (forming a mixture called gasoline alcohol). Ethanol is also an intoxicating ingredient in many alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
Ethanol is produced by two main processes: carbohydrate fermentation (the method used in alcoholic beverages) and ethylene hydration. Fermentation involves the conversion of carbohydrates into ethanol by growing yeast cells. The main raw materials for fermentation production of industrial alcohol are sugar crops such as sugar beet and sugar cane and food crops such as corn. Hydration of ethylene is achieved by passing a mixture of ethylene and a large excess of steam over an acidic catalyst at high temperature and pressure.
Ethanol produced by fermentation or synthesis is a dilute aqueous solution that must be concentrated by fractional distillation. Direct distillation can only produce a constant boiling point mixture containing at most 95.6% (weight) ethanol. Dehydration of a constant boiling mixture produces anhydrous or anhydrous alcohol. Ethanol used for industrial purposes is usually denatured (made unfit for drinking) and is usually made from methanol, benzene or kerosene.
Pure ethanol is a colorless, flammable liquid (boiling point 78.5 °C [173.3 °F]) with a pleasant ethereal and burning smell. Ethanol is toxic and affects the central nervous system. Moderate amounts can relax muscles and produce a noticeable stimulating effect by suppressing inhibitory activity in the brain, but large amounts can impair coordination and judgment, ultimately leading to coma and death. It is an addictive drug for some people, leading to alcohol poisoning.
Ethanol is converted in the body first to acetaldehyde and then to carbon dioxide and water at a rate of about half a fluid ounce, or 15 milliliters, per hour; this amount is equivalent to a dietary intake of about 100 calories.
