Ethanol is a clear liquid with 95% alcohol and 5% water. Commercial ethanol contains ethene and is mixed with vapor, while food-grade ethanol is created through fermentation. Ethanol has a mild odor, a boiling point of 1436°F, and can be converted into different forms. It is used in alcoholic beverages, alternative fuel, and various products such as paints and varnishes.
The two main chemical properties of ethanol are alcohol and water. Ethanol is considered 95% alcohol. The chemical contains about 5% water. The properties of ethanol vary slightly depending on the intended use.
When ethanol is created for commercial use, it is not produced by fermentation. The chemical properties of ethanol include a substance called ethene. As an element, it is officially known as C2H4. Ethanol used in gasoline and other commercial substances involves mixing ethene with vapor (H2O).
When evaporated water mixes with ethene, it forms a chemical property called C2H5OH. This substance is one of the types of ethanol produced. The other type of ethanol is used in food products.
The chemical properties of ethanol used in food differ from those in commercial forms as it is created through fermentation. Sugars and yeast are mixed together to form the substance. Sucrose is converted into glucose and fructose by natural yeast enzymes. For this purpose, the mixture of yeast and sucrose is heated, with final properties consisting of ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Ethanol has a boiling point of 1436° Fahrenheit (780° Celsius). Its melting point is -2038° Fahrenheit (-1150° Celsius). The chemical compound is considered a clear liquid. In terms of other physical properties of ethanol, its aroma or odor is mild and attractive.
If ethanol is heated, it changes its chemical composition. The substance turns into two separate properties. Such properties include carbon dioxide or 2CO2 and steam, which is expressed as 3H2O.
When ethanol is oxidized, it can turn into two different chemical compounds. The first is ethanal or acetaldehyde. Ethanoic acid is a second possible compound if the ethanol is further oxidized. This compound is also known as acetic acid.
A third type of ethanol compound that is formed is ethylene. It is created through a dehydration process. The sulfuric acid is combined with ethanol and heated to temperatures exceeding 284° Fahrenheit (140° Celsius).
As a substance, ethanol can be chemically converted into different forms of chlorides and esters. It has the ability to form oxygen and hydrogen atoms when reacting with high temperatures. When mixed with sodium at room temperature, it forms sodium ethoxide.
Ethanol is often used to make acetaldehyde and acetic acid. It is commonly used to make alcoholic beverages, especially those that are nearly pure alcohol. Commercially the substance is used to produce alternative fuel for vehicles and as an additive in regular petrol. Ethanol is used in many substances, including paints, varnishes and thermometer fluids.
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