Ethanol

Ethanol structure

Skeletal formula of ethanol

3 D view

A bottle of Ethanol

Ethanol, commonly known as ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, or simply alcohol, is a flammable and colorless chemical compound. With a chemical formula of C2H5OH or equivalently C2H6O, it is a primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages consumed globally across various cultures. Beyond its recreational use, ethanol's ability to dissolve a wide range of chemicals, combined with its relatively low toxicity, makes it a valuable solvent in various industries. Notably, the fermentation of sugars by yeast predominantly produces the ethanol humans utilize.

Properties and Uses

Ethanol is characterized by its rapid evaporation and a burning taste. Its antiseptic properties make it effective for medical and cosmetic uses. It is also a core component in the manufacture of perfumes, paints, and tinctures.

In addition to its applications in the beverage and industrial sectors, ethanol serves as a key biofuel, presenting an alternative to traditional gasoline.

Ethanol as Fuel

Ethanol can act as a standalone fuel or as an additive in gasoline, enhancing the octane level and improving emissions quality.

Brazil's Initiative

Brazil stands out as a significant global proponent of ethanol fuel, primarily deriving it from sugar cane. This biofuel accounts for approximately 18% of the nation's automotive fuel. By relying on domestically produced ethanol, Brazil has reduced its dependence on foreign oil imports. However, this self-sufficiency came at an environmental cost; vast tracts of the rainforest were cleared to cultivate sugar cane, which undergoes fermentation to produce ethanol.

United States and Ethanol

In the U.S., most conventional vehicles can operate on fuels with ethanol concentrations up to 10%. However, major automotive manufacturers such as Ford, DaimlerChrysler, and GM have developed vehicles explicitly engineered for higher ethanol concentrations. Some of these specialized engines can utilize fuel blends with ethanol content as high as 85% (E85). As of mid-2006, an estimated six million E85-compatible vehicles traveled the U.S. roads.

Environmental Impact

While ethanol is lauded for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, its production, especially from crops like corn and sugar cane, raises concerns. The large-scale cultivation of these crops can lead to deforestation, ecosystem displacement, and other environmental challenges.

See Also

• Methanol
• Biofuel
• Fermentation (biochemistry)

References

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