Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol or grain alcohol, is a combustible, colorless chemical complex, and is best known as the alcohol found in thermometers and alcoholic beverages. In common usage, it is often referred to simply as alcohol. It is a straight-chain alcohol and its molecular formula is variously represented as EtOH, CH3CH2OH, C2H5OH or as its experimental formula C2H6O.
After the use of fire, fermentation of sugar into ethanol is perhaps the initial organic reaction known to kindness, and the invigorating effects of ethanol expenditure have been known since ancient times. In modern times ethanol intended for industrial use has also been produced from byproducts of petroleum refining.
Ethanol has prevalent use as a solvent for substances intended for human contact or expenditure, including scents, flavorings, colourings, and medicines. In chemistry it is both an indispensable solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. Ethanol has a long history as a fuel, including as a fuel for internal incineration engines.
After the use of fire, fermentation of sugar into ethanol is perhaps the initial organic reaction known to kindness, and the invigorating effects of ethanol expenditure have been known since ancient times. In modern times ethanol intended for industrial use has also been produced from byproducts of petroleum refining.
Ethanol has prevalent use as a solvent for substances intended for human contact or expenditure, including scents, flavorings, colourings, and medicines. In chemistry it is both an indispensable solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. Ethanol has a long history as a fuel, including as a fuel for internal incineration engines.
