Ethanol is a light, colorless alcohol with a characteristic odor and mild taste, widely used across various industries. Due to its excellent solvency, disinfectant properties, and flammability, ethanol is a fundamental substance in chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Features:

• Colorless, volatile, and soluble in water and many organic solvents
• Highly flammable
• Non-toxic in controlled concentrations

Applications:

• Disinfection and medical hygiene
• Solvent in pharmaceutical and chemical industries
• Production of alcoholic beverages
• Fuel and fuel additives
• Cosmetics and personal care products

Technical Specifications

• Chemical Formula: C₂H₅OH

• Molar Mass: 46.08 g/mol

• Density: 0.789 g/cm³ at 20°C

• Boiling Point: 78.37°C

• Melting Point: -114.1°C

• Color: Colorless

• Odor: Characteristic

Hazards and Safety

• Flammable material; keep away from heat sources

• Avoid contact with skin and eyes

• Prevent inhalation of concentrated vapors

• Use in well-ventilated areas

Packaging and Storage

• Metal or durable plastic barrels

• Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, away from direct sunlight

• Keep away from heat and sparks

 Industrial Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: disinfectants and injectable solutions

• Chemical Industry: reaction solvents and material extraction

• Food Industry: production of alcoholic beverages and flavor extracts

• Fuel & Energy: gasoline additive and biofuel

Historical Example

In the 1920s, ethanol was used as fuel for racing cars in the United States. Its higher ignition point compared to gasoline improved engine performance and safety.

Latest Scientific Achievement

Research in 2023 demonstrated that ethanol combined with silver nanoparticles creates a powerful antibacterial coating for hospital surfaces. Scientific Source