Cas No: 64-17-5
EINESC No: 200-578-6
Molecular weight: 46.069 g/mol
Chemical Formula: C2H5OH
Chemical Structure:
Physical Properties
General Properties: Colorless liquid
Odor: Strong, methanol-like
Intensity: 0,78945 g/cm3 ( 20 °C
Boiling point: 78.23 °C
Melting point: -114,14 °C
Flash point: 14°C (pure)
Vapor pressure: 5.95 kPa (at 20 °C)
Refraction index: 1,3611 nD
Solubility : Completely soluble
General Properties
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a two-carboned simple organic compound. It is a volatile, flammable and colorless liquid. It is fumeless and burns with blue flame which cannot be seen in daylight. Usually, it is used as pleasure-inducing substance as it is a psychoactive substance. It is an active agent for liquors. Naturally, it is produced through fermentation of some unicellar beings. It is possible to produce it as petrochemical. It has medical uses such as antiseptic and disinfectant. Liquors are heavy taxed by many governments but ethyl alcohol has a very wide range of usage. Additive chemical that reduces its potableness are added to ease tax amounts. These chemicals are piquant substances such as denatonium benzoate. The term for these alcohols is denaturated alcohol.
Production
Ethyl alcohol can be produced via both fermentation and petrochemistry. Therefore, depending on oil and cereal cost, one of two methods is preferred. Chemically, it is acquired from ethylene hydration and CO2. Naturally, it is acquired as byproduct of ferment variations. After fermentation, ethyl alcohol is purified by distillation.
Applications
Ethanol has a very wide array of usage. It is a good organic solvent and the pioneer of many organic chemicals. It is used antiseptically and it is the raw material of many disinfectants. It is used as antidote in ethylene glycol and methanol poisoning. Also, it is a common solvent for many medicines and foodstuff. It is the most commonly used substance for recreation purposes.
Ethyl alcohol is also commonly used in fuel production. It has a very wide range of usage such as propellent production, automobile engine and residential heating. It is used as octane adjuvant ingredient for engines. Gasoline engines can be started by ethyl alcohol with minimal changes. It is also used in cold baths due to its low freezing point.
Safety Measures and Toxic Values
Pure ethanol is extremely irritant for skin. It may cause permanent injuries if it contacts with eyes. Nausea, vomiting and poisining are clear symptoms of deglutition. It may cause serious liver problems through extended use. It must be kept away from flame sources, hot surfaces and sparking at all costs. It is extremely dangerous in case of fire as its flame is not visible in daylight. Its value is 7340 mg / kg (oral, rat) LD50.