Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a colorless liquid that is both volatile and flammable. It is a common substance found in many household products, such as hand sanitizers, cleaning solutions, and even alcoholic beverages.
This chemical compound also plays a significant role in various commercial applications. Check out these interesting facts about ethyl alcohol in commercial uses.
Most gasoline sold in the US contains ethanol
In the United States, a significant majority of gasoline sold contains ethanol. Specifically, 98 percent of all gasoline sold comprises at least some percentage of this substance. Typically, ethanol makes up 10 percent or more of the fuel’s overall composition. This high prevalence is not by coincidence but rather due to ethanol’s essential role in the fuel industry. As an oxygenate, ethanol enhances the combustion efficiency of gasoline, thereby reducing harmful emissions and mitigating air pollution. Furthermore, using ethanol—a renewable resource—helps decrease dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels, promoting energy security and reducing international reliance on oil.
It is both drinkable and toxic
Ethyl alcohol is one of the few commercial products that is both safe and dangerous for human consumption, depending on the application. In the context of alcoholic drinks, ethanol is completely safe for humans to consume. The fermentation process, where yeast metabolizes sugar into alcohol, produces a product that humans have been safely consuming for millennia. Ethanol lends alcoholic beverages their intoxicating effect and distinct flavor profiles. Whether in beer, wine, or spirits, ethyl alcohol plays an indispensable role in creating these consumable delights.
On the other hand, ethyl alcohol is extensively used in commercial industries requiring toxic chemicals. In these applications, ethanol undergoes a transformation through the addition of a denaturant, a substance that renders it toxic and unpalatable. This process ensures that humans cannot consume industrial-grade ethanol. Denatured ethanol serves various purposes, from fueling cars to acting as a solvent in laboratories and manufacturing processes.
It is a non-ecotoxic substance
As a non-ecotoxic substance, ethyl alcohol finds valuable applications in many bio-sensitive sectors. As mentioned before, ethanol is a biofuel and offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Ethyl alcohol is widely used throughout the cosmetics industry and acts as a safe solvent, preservative, and astringent. In the pharmaceutical industry, ethanol is a key component in producing medications and disinfectants, again due to its non-toxic nature.
These interesting facts about ethyl alcohol highlight its immense value for many commercial uses and applications. Ultimately, ethanol is a versatile resource that humans will continue to rely on for many modern-day necessities.
