Ethyl Alcohol: Science of Solvents & Booze
- Sylvia Rose
- Oct 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. A clear, colorless liquid, it has a chemical formula of C₂H₅OH, and is classified as a simple alcohol. There is nothing simple about alcohol.
Ethanol is a solvent. One of the many quests of medieval alchemy is to find a "universal solvent" which can dissolve anything.
Aqua regia, a mix of nitric and hydrochloric acid, will consume gold and platinum but retreats from silver and iridium. Nitric acid dissolves silver but not gold.
Ethyl alcohol, first isolated and identified in the 18th century, misses the alchemical boat. Today ethanol is considered the "universal solvent" in chemistry.
Ethyl alcohol can be produced through fermentation of sugars by yeast. This process converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The alcohol is then distilled to increase its concentration, resulting in production of ethyl alcohol.
It's highly flammable but doesn't catch fire itself. Instead its fumes burst into flame (reason behind the warnings not to use nail polish remover near any kind of fire or heat source). Ethanol is produced through two main processes: fermentation and synthetic.
1. Fermentation
This natural, biological process involves the conversion of sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeasts, primarily Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The fermentation process is vital in the production of beer, wine, and spirits.
In alchemy, with processes based on those of nature, fermentation is a process of change or transformation. Intentional fermentation for booze goes back to c. 8000 BCE when people first make honey mead, based on observations of its natural formation in abandoned bee hives.
Fermentation Process
Preparation: Raw materials such as grains, fruits, or sugarcane are first processed to extract fermentable sugars.
Fermentation: Yeast is added to the sugar-rich substrate. Yeast consumes the sugars and converts them into ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Distillation: The alcohol content is then concentrated through distillation to separate the ethanol from the remaining mixture.
2. Synthetic Production
Ethanol can also be synthesized through petrochemical routes. Ethylene, a byproduct of the petroleum refining process, can be hydrated to produce ethanol. This method is commonly used to produce high-purity ethanol for industrial uses.
Uses of Ethyl Alcohol
Beverages: The most well-known use of ethanol is in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits.
Fuel: Ethanol is used as a biofuel, either blended with gasoline (E10, E15, E85) or as a standalone fuel. It is considered a more sustainable energy source than fossil fuels.
Solvent: Ethanol is a common solvent in the manufacturing of personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning agents. Its properties make it effective in dissolving non-polar compounds.
Antiseptic: Ethanol is an effective disinfectant, used in hand sanitizers, medical wipes, and antiseptic solutions due to its ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
Food Additive: It is used as a flavoring agent and preservative in various food products.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Commonly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of medicines.
Cosmetics Industry: Found in perfumes, colognes, and personal care products.
Science of Ethyl Alcohol
The molecular structure of ethanol comprises a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to an ethyl group (C₂H₅). This configuration gives ethanol its properties, such as its ability to act as both a polar and non-polar solvent.
Ethanol once consumed is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. It works on the central nervous system, producing the intoxicating effects associated with alcohol.
Ethyl alcohol is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is soluble in water and has a boiling point of 78.37°C. Ethyl alcohol is metabolized by the liver into acetaldehyde and then acetic acid, which are further broken down and eliminated from the body.
Hazards of Ethyl Alcohol
Health Risks: Excess consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to alcohol poisoning, liver disease and other health problems. Long-term abuse can affect mental health and cognitive functions.
Flammability: Ethanol is highly flammable. Proper safety measures must be taken when using ethanol in laboratories or industrial settings. Vapors are explosive near heat or flame.
Toxicity: In concentrations of 70% or higher, ethanol can irritate skin and eyes. Ingestion of industrial-grade ethanol can be lethal. Consuming high levels of ethyl alcohol can cause alcohol poisoning.
Interesting Facts about Ethyl Alcohol
Historical Significance: Ethanol has been produced and used for thousands of years for various purposes. Ancient civilizations ferment grains, fruits, and honey to create booze.
Ethyl alcohol has been used religious ceremonies, medicinal treatments, and recreational activities.
Biofuel Production: Ethanol is seen as a renewable fuel source and can be produced from various biomass, including corn, sugarcane and agricultural waste.
Industrial Uses: Beyond its common household uses, ethanol is essential in the production of various chemicals, including acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate.
Antifreeze Agent: Ethanol is commonly used as an antifreeze agent in automotive and other applications, helping reduce the freezing point of liquids.
The term "proof" when referring to alcohol content originates from sailors in the British Navy, who would test the strength of their rum by mixing it with gunpowder. If the mixture ignited, it was considered "proof" the alcohol content was sufficient.
Other names for ethyl alcohol or ethanol include:
Absolute alcohol
Alcohol
Cologne spirit
Drinking alcohol
Ethylic alcohol
EtOH
Ethyl alcohol
Ethyl hydroxide
Ethylene hydrate
Ethylol
Grain alcohol
Hydroxyethane
Methylcarbinol
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