Ethanol

By: Dave Backwater

Ethanol is a simple carbohydrate that, since ancient times, has been used as a recreational beverage, solvent, or antiseptic. It was discovered early on that when sugars from grain, corn, or sugarcane were allowed to ferment with yeast, the result was a beverage with pleasing side effects. Depending on the source of the sugars, several flaws were created during fermentation. It was these flaws that allowed these liquors to take on unique characteristics and flavors.

Ethyl alcohol, C2H5OH, is clear and colorless. It has a low melting point, so it is well suited for use in low temperature thermometers (below -400C, the freezing point of mercury) and engine antifreeze. Being flammable and fully mixable with gasoline, ethanol can be used in some engines to increase octane and lower carbon monoxide emissions.

Ethanol is widely used in some areas such as Brazil as a stand alone fuel. Some advantages of using ethanol as a fuel include:

· Reducing carbon monoxide emissions by up to 34%.
· Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 100%.
· Higher octane than gasoline.
· Increase farm income.
· Bring jobs to rural areas.

Some disadvantages of using ethanol as a fuel include:

· Higher prices than gasoline.
· Less mileage than gasoline.
· Partially oxidized ethanol can lead to ozone production.
· Drought can lead to an increase in prices.

Today the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages is a major industry. The distillation and sale of beverages containing ethyl alcohol have a direct effect on many nation's economies. The United States acquires about 5 billion dollars each year from taxes imposed on the manufacturing and sale of ethanol. Many other countries levy similar taxes. Government regulations maintain strict control over the purity and quality of drinking alcohol. If these products do not meet appointed standards, they cannot be legally sold. In the United States drinking alcohol is sold by proof. A 100 proof spirit contains 50 percent absolute alcohol at 160C, for example.

Alcohol has several physiological effects on the body. It acts mainly on the nervous system. Over use may become habit-forming. Organs such as the brain, the liver, and the kidneys can be damaged by excessive indulgence in alcohol. Mental impairment may also result. Several private organizations are dedicated to influencing legislation that would outlaw the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.

The main purpose of alcohol is not as an intoxicating drink. It is important in the making of thousands of products.

Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with other substances added to make it unfit to drink. Because it is not sold for drinking, denatured alcohol is not subject to heavy taxation. It is made under strict government regulations. Wood alcohol and benzene are the two of the most common denaturing additives. Substances such as nicotine, diethyl phthalate, and pyridine may also be added.

Most of the industrial alcohol produced in the United States is made synthetically. It usually is synthesized from ethylene gas that comes from natural-gas deposits or from petroleum cracking processes.

Works Cited

Polesetsky, Matthew. Energy Alternatives. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1991

"Ethanol." DISCovering Science. Computer Software. Gale Research, 1997. CD-ROM.

"Alcohol." Microsoft Encarta. Computer Software. Microsoft Corporation, 1994. CD-ROM.

"Ethyl Alcohol." Grolier’s Electronic Encyclopedia. Computer Software. Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc., 1997. CD-ROM.