Ethanol

Ethanol

Physical properties:

• Ethanol is a colourless liquid having a pleasant smell and a burning taste

• It is a volatile liquid having a low boiling point of 78o C (351 K)

• It is miscible with water in all proportions

• Ethanol does not contain any ions, as it is a covalent compound and has no effect on litmus paper

• The boiling point of alcohols are, in general, much higher than the corresponding alkanes. This is because in alcohols there is intermolecular association of a large number of molecules due to Hydrogen bonding which is absent in alkanes

Ethanol is used:

• in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, lacquers and medicines

• in the preparation of organic compounds like ether, chloroform and iodoform

• as an antiseptic to sterilise wounds and syringes in hospitals and dispensaries

• in alcoholic drinks (beverages) like whisky, wine, beer and other liquors. Beer contains around 3 to 6% ethanol, whisky contains 30% ethanol and wine contains 8 to 10% ethanol

• in spirit lamps as methylated spirit (contains ethanol mixed with a small amount of methanol and water)

• as power alcohol to generate power in internal combustion engines. Power alcohol is a mixture of 25% absolute alcohol and 75% petrol and it is a good fuel for motor cars. In the present days, due to scarcity of petrol and petroleum products, power alcohol can be used as a substitute for petrol in motor cars which may also reduce pollution of air