What is etoh?

Ethanol (EtOH)

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol, is a flammable, colorless, slightly toxic chemical compound with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. It's a volatile, polar, and miscible solvent.

Here's some key information about ethanol:

• Uses: Ethanol has a wide range of uses, including:
  • As an antiseptic and disinfectant.
  • As a solvent in various chemical processes and in the production of various industrial chemicals.
  • As a fuel or fuel additive (e.g., in gasoline).
  • In the production of alcoholic beverages.
  • As a cryoprotectant.
• Production: Ethanol is typically produced through:
  • Fermentation of sugars by yeasts.
  • Hydration of ethylene.
• Properties: Key properties of ethanol include:
  • Its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances.
  • Its relatively low boiling point.
  • Its flammability.
  • Its miscibility with water.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Ethanol is flammable and should be handled with care.
  • Ingestion of ethanol can lead to alcohol intoxication and, in severe cases, alcohol poisoning.
  • Prolonged or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism and other health problems.
• Denatured Alcohol: To prevent consumption, ethanol intended for industrial or laboratory use is often denatured, meaning that additives are added to make it unpalatable or toxic. Common denaturants include methanol and isopropyl alcohol.