Description

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or simply alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. It is the most common type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, but its uses extend far beyond consumption. Ethanol is an organic compound in the alcohol family and is produced naturally through the fermentation of sugars by yeast, or synthetically through the hydration of ethylene, a petroleum by-product. As a polar solvent, ethanol is miscible with water and many other organic solvents, making it an ideal medium for chemical reactions, extractions, and dissolving both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances.

Ethanol has a relatively low boiling point (78.37°C or 173.1°F), evaporates quickly, and is highly effective at disrupting the lipid membranes of microbes—giving it strong antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Due to its versatility, ethanol is used across multiple industries, including medicine, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food production, perfumery, cleaning products, automotive fuel, and bioenergy. It is also a critical substance in laboratories, serving as a sterilizer, reagent, and solvent.

In the context of renewable energy, bioethanol—ethanol derived from biomass such as corn, sugarcane, or cellulose—is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and is increasingly used as a blending agent in gasoline (e.g., E10, E85 fuels). Whether as a fuel, a sanitizer, or an industrial solvent, ethanol remains one of the most widely produced and essential organic chemicals in the world.