The concept of ethanol refers to ethyl alcohol : a substance whose chemical formula is CH3-CH2-OH . It is a liquid that is generated from the fermentation of products that have a high amount of carbohydrates .
With respect to its etymology, we can say that this term responds to the IUPAC definition (the acronym in English for the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry ) for the chemical compound that is characterized by having one molecule and two carbon atoms ( hence the prefix et- ), related by means of a single bond (this is understood by the suffix -ane ) and the presence of an -OH group (which is expressed with the suffix -ol ).
In 1834, the German scientist Justus Liebig coined the prefix ethyl , which he formed by contracting the French term ether (any substance that sublimes or evaporates easily at room temperature) and the Greek ύλη (whose pronunciation is similar to hylé and means "substance"). It was not until 1892, within the framework of the International Conference on Chemical Nomenclature in the Swiss city of Geneva, that the word ethanol was coined.
Ethanol, under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, is flammable and colorless. In any proportion, on the other hand, it is soluble in water .
Obtaining ethanol is carried out through the anaerobic fermentation of a solution containing yeast and sugars. Through distillation , ethanol can be separated from water.
One of the most common uses of ethanol is the production of alcoholic beverages . Through fermentation, beer , wine and other products are produced. In the case of gin , tequila and whiskey , among other drinks, the process also includes distillation.
The amount of ethanol present in the drink varies in each case. While spirits can have up to 70% ethanol, in beer the level of ethyl alcohol is usually around 5%.
It is important to keep in mind that ethanol is a drug , the consumption of which is legal in most of the world. However, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages causes serious health problems. Anyone who consumes a lot of ethanol can suffer an alcohol coma that can even cause death.
Ethanol, on the other hand, can also be used as a fuel , either alone or combined with other substances. When ethanol is mixed with gasoline, alconafta is produced.
Used as fuel, ethanol is usually obtained from sugar cane. This makes it a product of renewable origin.
One of the most common uses of ethanol is in the beauty products industry, such as cosmetics . The reason is that it has astringent properties, ideal for cleaning the skin, and it also serves to preserve lotions since it prevents its ingredients from separating and the product losing effectiveness. In the case of hair sprays, ethanol allows the substance to adhere properly.
Ethanol is also used in disinfectants, as it effectively kills viruses, fungi and bacteria, among other microorganisms. For example, for any situation in which people do not have soap and water within reach, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (known by the acronym CDC ) recommends it to avoid infections .
We can also find ethanol in certain household products, both for cleaning and personal care. On the other hand, it is intended for the creation of solvents that are used in varnishes, lacquers and paints, from its combination with water and various organic compounds .