The Chemistry of Ethanol

ACERIT, Harvey O.
AGUINALDO, Precious Abigail Q.
RODRIQUEZ, Mildred Mae
 Properties
 chemical formula: CH3CH2OH
 Molecular Weight: 46.07grams
 Ethanol is an alcohol ( has a hydroxyl group, an -OH bonded
to a carbon atom)
 Is a clear, colorless liquid with slight odor
 In dilute aqueous solution, has relatively sweet flavor,
but when concentrated, it has a burning taste
 Stable but highly flammable
 Properties
 freezing point: –114.1˚C
 boiling point: 78.3 ˚C
 density: 0.7893 g/cc (@25 ˚C)
 flash point: 14 ˚C
 triple point: 150 K; 4.3×10-4 Pa
 Other names: Absolute alcohol, alcohol, cologne spirit,
drinking alcohol, ethane monoxide, ethylic alcohol,
EtOH, ethyl alcohol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide,
ethylol, grain alcohol, hydroxyethane, methylcarbinol
 Reactions
A. Ester Formation
RCOOH + HOCH2CH3 → RCOOCH2CH3 + H2O
B. Dehydration
2 CH3CH2OH → CH3CH2OCH2CH3 + H2O (ca. 120 °C)
CH3CH2OH → H2C=CH2 + H2O (above 160 °C)
C. Combustion
C2H5OH (l) + 3 O2 (g) → 2 CO2 (g) + 3 H2O
 Reactions
D. Acid-Base Chemistry
CH3CH2OH + NaH → CH3CH2ONa + H2
E. Halogenation
CH3CH2OH + HCl → CH3CH2Cl + H2O
F. Oxidation
CH3CH2OH [o]→ CH3CHOH [o]→ CH3COOH
 GRADES OF ETHANOL
A. Denatured Alcohol
An agent has been added to the ethanol to render
it unfit to drink.
B. Absolute Alcohol
Absolute or anhydrous alcohol refers to ethanol with
a low water content.
C. Rectified Spirits
Rectified spirit is highly concentrated ethanol which
has been purified by means of rectification.
 Uses
A. Medical
1. EtOH as an antiseptic
2. EtOH as an antitussive agent
3. EtOH as an antidote
B. Recreational
Ethanol is commonly consumed as a
recreational drug, especially while socializing, due
to its psychoactive effects.
 Uses
C. Fuel
1. Engine Fuel
Ethanol is most often used as a motor fuel,
mainly as a biofuel additive for gasoline. It:
a. decreases the fuel's cost
b. increases the fuel's octane rating
c. decreases gasoline's harmful emissions
Most common blends:
E10, E85 and E25
 Uses
2. Rocket Fuel
Ethanol was commonly used as fuel in
early bipropellant rocket (liquid propelled)
vehicles.
3. Fuel Cells
Ethanol is an attractive alternative due to its
wide availability, low cost, high purity and low
toxicity.
4. Household Heating
Ethanol fuels flue-less, real flame fireplaces.
 Uses
D. Feedstock
Ethanol has widespread use as a precursor for
other organic compounds.
E. Solvent
Ethanol is miscible with water and is a good
general purpose solvent.
 Adverse Effects

A. Loss of Balance
B. Alcohol and Gastrointestinal Diseases
C. Long-term
1. Birth Defects
2. Cancer
3. Other Effects
 Overdose
Blood Alcohol Content Blood Alcohol Content
Symptoms
(g/L) (% v/v)
Euphoria, talkativeness,
0.5 0.05%
relaxation
Central nervous system
depression, nausea,
possible vomiting,
1 0.1 %
impaired motor and
sensory function,
impaired cognition
Decreased blood flow
>1.4 >0.14%
to brain
Stupefaction, possible
3 0.3%
unconsciousness
4 0.4% Possible death

>5.5 >0.55% Death

 Natural Occurrence
 Ethanol is a by-product of the metabolic process of yeast. As such, ethanol will
be present in any yeast habitat.
 Ethanol can commonly be found in overripe fruit.
 Ethanol is also produced during the germination of many plants as a result of
natural anerobiosis.
 Ethanol has been detected in outer space, forming an icy coating around dust
grains in interstellar clouds.
 Auto-brewery syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome, is a rare
medical condition in which intoxicating quantities of ethanol are produced
through endogenous fermentation within the digestive system.
 Production
•Synthetic ethanol:
Ethylene, coal; non-renewable

• Fermentation ethanol:
Grains, sugar crops, wood, etc; renewable
Bioethanol and Cogeneration Plant in Isabela
Bioethanol and Cogeneration Plant in Isabela
 References
 Speight, J. G. (2002). Chemical and process design handbook.
 http://www.scifun.org/chemweek/pdf/ethanol.pdf
 http://www.wormbook.org/chapters/www_ethanol/ethanol.pdf
 http://www.energyjustice.net/files/ethanol/pimentel2003.pdf
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured alcohol
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carcinogen
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-ethanol fuel cell
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E85
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectified spirit
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scrubber
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methanol
 https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Ethanol_fuel
 https://www.utdallas.edu/~parr/chm1316/ethanol.ppt
 http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/rcastil/ECON465/Ethanol.ppt
 https://www.triumf.info/wiki/tuda-tactic/images/4/42/ETHANOL.ppt
 http://web.missouri.edu/~plainr/PowerPoints/EthanolOutlook8-07.ppt
 http://ethanolrfa.3cdn.net/a85a9af3965b5dc691_hsm6y1n9a.ppt