Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a type of alcohol widely used across multiple industries. It is best known as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages, but it also has applications in medicine, personal care products, and even fuel.
Its versatility and widespread use make it one of the most important organic compounds in the modern world, with uses ranging from beverages to beauty, and many more beyond that.
In this post:
Key Takeaways
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is a colourless liquid used in alcoholic beverages, industrial applications, and personal care products
It has a simple chemical structure consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms
While safe for consumption in regulated forms, it is also used in denatured versions for industrial and medical purposes
Ethanol is produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis, depending on its intended use
What is the Chemical Composition of Ethyl Alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is a relatively simple organic compound with the chemical formula C2H6O. The formula can also be written as a structural formula: CH3−CH2−OH, or simply C2H5OH. As you can see in the structural formula, an ethyl group is linked to a hydroxyl group.
This follows the generalised formula for alcohol, which is CnH2n+1OH. A more generalised formula of alcohol is R-OH. The R represents the hydrocarbon chain and the OH represents the hydroxyl group.
The two groups form a 109-degree angle with each other, as shown in the illustration below:
Given its molecular compositions, the molar mass is empirically determined to be 46.069 g·mol−1. The molar mass can be approximated by adding the atomic weights of all its elements.
Carbon has an approximate atomic weight of 12 but since there are two carbons, the total carbon weight is 24.
Meanwhile, oxygen has an atomic weight of 16 and hydrogen has an atomic weight of 1 – but since there are six hydrogen atoms, the total hydrogen weight is 6. This means that the molar mass is calculated as: 24+16+6 = 46.
Is Ethyl Alcohol the Same As Ethanol?
Yes, ethyl alcohol and ethanol refer to the same chemical compound. The term ethanol comes from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) naming conventions, while ethyl alcohol is a more commonly used name, particularly in commercial and consumer settings.
Both names are interchangeable, though ethanol is preferred in scientific and industrial contexts. Ethyl alcohol is often used in the labelling of consumer products, especially those related to disinfection and alcoholic beverages.
What is Ethyl Alcohol Made From?
Ethyl alcohol is made in a few different ways, with the most common being through fermentation of sugars by yeast. This natural process is the basis for the production of alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine.
Sugars from fruits, grains, and other plant materials are broken down by yeast into ethanol and carbon dioxide, creating the alcohol content found in drinks, as seen in the diagram below:
For industrial and pharmaceutical uses, ethanol can also be produced synthetically through chemical processes. One common method involves the hydration of ethylene, where ethylene gas reacts with water in the presence of a catalyst (usually a dilute sulphuric acid) to form ethanol.
This is often used to create high-purity ethanol for medical and industrial applications:
Common Beverages Containing Ethyl Alcohol
Here are some of the most common types of alcoholic beverages and their fermented ingredients:
- Ale: Fermented from malt with hops, usually sitting between 4.4-8% alcohol
- Beer: Malted cereal grain, like barley, is used for fermentation, while hops are added for flavour and typically contains 4-6% ethyl alcohol
- Brandy: Typically distilled from wine or from any fermented fruit juice, this classy drink holds between 35-60% ethyl alcohol content
- Gin: Distilled or redistilled from a variety of sources and typically flavoured with juniper berries and other aromatics. To be legally sold as gin in the UK, it has to have at least 37.5% alcohol by volume (ABV)
- Rum: A liquor distilled from products of sugarcane, such as molasses, rum has the same minimum legal alcoholic requirement of 37.5%
- Sake: Derived from brewing rice and very popular in Japan, while it is often brewed to 20% abv it is then brought down to around 15% on average
- Tequila: The popular Mexican liquor that’s distilled from blue agave varies some in its ethyl alcohol content, sitting between 35-55%
- Vodka: Distilled from starchy food such as mash of potatoes, rye or wheat, this is another beverage that requires a 37.5% minimum alcohol content in the UK
- Whisky: A liquor distilled from a mash of grain such as rye, corn, or barley, whisky, or whiskey (depending on where it’s made) tends to start at 40% ethanol content
- Wine: One of the oldest and most common sources of alcohol, with an alcohol content ranging from 8-15%, wine is the fermented juice of fresh grapes
Other Uses For Ethyl Alcohol
Beyond being in beverages, ethyl alcohol is used in many situations for its solvent, antiseptic, and energy-holding properties. Because it can dissolve a wide range of substances, it is indispensable in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemical production.
Personal Care Products
One of the most common uses for ethyl alcohol is in perfumes, aftershaves, and mouthwashes due to its fast-evaporating properties. It also acts as a preservative in some skincare and cosmetic products, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. Hand sanitisers rely on these antiseptic qualities to kill germs effectively.
Paints, Lacquers and Finishes
Many industrial chemical coatings and paints use ethyl alcohol as a solvent to dissolve pigments and resins. It helps create smooth, even finishes in lacquers, varnishes, and other protective coatings. Its fast-drying nature makes it particularly useful in spray applications.
Fuel
Ethyl alcohol is a widely used biofuel, often mixed with petrol as a way of curbing emissions and improving combustion efficiency. In many countries, ethanol-based fuels are used to power vehicles as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Conclusion
Ethyl alcohol is a versatile compound with a range of uses, from alcoholic beverages to industrial applications. Its unique chemical properties make it an essential ingredient in personal care products, solvents, and fuel.
While safe to eat and drink in regulated forms, it also serves many other functions across different industries, from cleanliness to fuel production, highlighting its importance in everyday life.
