ETHANOL

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a clear, colorless, and volatile liquid alcohol derived from fermentation of sugar-rich crops like sugarcane, corn, and rice. It is widely used as a biofuel, industrial solvent, and raw material in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

1. Types of Ethanol:

• Fuel-Grade Ethanol: Used as a biofuel and fuel additive to reduce emissions.

• Industrial Ethanol: Used in paints, varnishes, disinfectants, and chemical manufacturing.

• Food-Grade Ethanol: Used in alcoholic beverages, flavorings, and extracts.

• Pharmaceutical-Grade Ethanol: Used in medicines, sanitizers, and antiseptics.

2. Properties:

• Purity: 95-99.9% (depends on type)

• Boiling Point: 78.37°C

• Density: 0.789 g/cm³

• Solubility: Completely miscible with water and most organic solvents

3. Applications:

• Biofuel: Used as a gasoline additive (E10, E85) to improve combustion and reduce emissions.

• Industrial Use: Solvent in paints, cosmetics, and chemical industries.

• Medical Use: Disinfectants, antiseptics, and pharmaceutical formulations.

• Beverage Industry: Primary ingredient in alcoholic drinks.