What is the chemical formula of ethanol?

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Ethanol is a primary alcohol or alkyl alcohol, which comes from ethane and where one of the hydrogens -H is replaced by a hydroxy group -OH, having the molecular formula CH 3 CH 2 OH . The empirical formula of ethanol is C 2 H 6 O. It is also possible to see it written as EtOH where Et represents the ethyl group (C 2 H 5 ).

Among its main uses are those of antiseptic drug and polar solvent. It is a volatile organic compound and is part of the ethanol family. It is a conjugate acid of an ethoxide.

Although ethanol can be obtained as a natural byproduct of plant fermentation, it can also be produced by hydration of ethylene.

ethanol properties

Ethanol, like any alcohol, is flammable, volatile, colorless, and has a characteristic odor. It also has psychoactive properties if ingested. Other alcohols also have these properties, but ethyl alcohol is considerably less toxic to humans than methanol or isopropanol.

ethanol uses

In addition to its psychoactive characteristic, ethanol has many other applications. It is an important disinfectant and antiseptic, as well as being a common solvent of a polar nature. Ethanol is an important precursor for the synthesis of other organic compounds. It is also a clean fuel.

It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is often used as a topical disinfectant. Having such wide use as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations, it serves as a main ingredient in alcoholic beverages.

It is also used as fuel, especially in the US since its gasoline is made up of a mixture called E10, where 10% is ethanol and 90% gasoline. With this, it is possible to oxygenate the fuel and reduce pollution.

Sources

Laura Benítez (MEd)
Laura Benítez (MEd)
(Licenciada en Química. Master en Educación) - AUTORA. Profesora de Química (Educación Secundaria). Redactora científica.

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