Ethanol
Colorless, transparent, flammable and volatile liquid. It has the smell of wine and pungent taste. Soluble in water, methanol, ether and chloroform. It can dissolve many organic compounds and several inorganic compounds.
An important organic solvent, can be used to analyze the acid value of nickel, potassium, magnesium and fat; also used as an extractant, dehydrating agent, cleaning agent and so on.
Introduction
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a widely used organic compound. It serves as a solvent, fuel, and raw material in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and beverages.
Chemical Characteristics
| Melting point | -114°C |
| Boiling point | 78°C |
| density | 0.789 g/mL at 20 °C |
| vapor density | 1.59 (vs air) |
| vapor pressure | 43 mmHg at 20 °C |
| refractive index | 1.3614 |
| FEMA | 2419 | ETHYL ALCOHOL |
| Fp | 12°C |
| storage temp. | room temp |
| solubility | water: soluble (completely) |
| pka | 16(at 25℃) |
| form | Liquid. Colorless liquid / invisible vapor. |
| Specific Gravity | 0.80872～0.81601 |
| color | APHA: ≤10 |
| PH | 7.0 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Relative polarity | 0.654 |
| Odor | Pleasant alcoholic odor detectable at 49 to 716 ppm (mean = 180 ppm) |
| Odor Threshold | 0.52ppm |
| Odor Type | alcoholic |
| explosive limit | 3.1-27.7%(V)(ethanol) |
| Water Solubility | miscible |
| λmax | λ: 240 nm Amax: 0.40 λ: 250 nm Amax: 0.30 λ: 260 nm Amax: 0.30 λ: 270 nm Amax: 0.10 λ: 340 nm Amax: 0.10 |
| Sensitive | Hygroscopic |
| Merck | 14,3760 |
| JECFA Number | 41 |
| BRN | 1718733 |
| Dielectric constant | 24.3（25℃） |
| Exposure limits | TLV-TWA 1900 mg/m3 (1000 ppm) (ACGIH). |
| Stability: | Stable. Substances to be avoided include strong oxidizing agents, peroxides, acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, alkali metals, ammonia, moisture. Forms explosive mixtures with air. Hygroscopic. |
| LogP | -0.19 |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 64-17-5(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| IARC | 1 (Vol. 96, 100E) 2012 |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | Ethanol(64-17-5) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Ethanol (64-17-5) |
Applications
Pharmaceuticals
Used as a solvent for active ingredients in medicines.
Serves as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Functions as a solvent in perfumes and lotions.
Acts as a preservative in formulations.
Food and Beverage Industry
Main ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
Utilized as a food-grade solvent and flavor carrier.
Industrial Applications
Used in the production of biofuels and as a cleaning agent.
Essential in chemical synthesis as a raw material.
Laboratory Use
Common solvent for extractions and chromatography.
Employed in DNA precipitation protocols.
Handling and Storage
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and open flames.
Precautions: Use appropriate protective equipment to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
FAQs
1. Is ethanol safe for consumption?
Ethanol is safe for consumption in regulated amounts, such as in alcoholic beverages. Industrial-grade ethanol may contain impurities and is not suitable for ingestion.
2. What is the difference between ethanol and methanol?
Methanol (CH₃OH) is highly toxic, whereas ethanol is safe for consumption in small quantities. Methanol also has a lower boiling point and different chemical properties.
3. Can ethanol be used as a fuel?
Yes, ethanol is used as a renewable biofuel, either as a standalone fuel or blended with gasoline.
4. How is ethanol produced?
Ethanol is commonly produced through fermentation of sugars or starches using yeast or via petrochemical processes.
For more information or technical data, consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS) specific to your ethanol grade.
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