Etymology and History - Ethanol is the systematic name defined by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. - The eth- prefix and the qualifier ethyl in ethyl alcohol originally came from the name ethyl assigned in 1834. - The name ethanol was coined as a result of a resolution on naming alcohols and phenols. - The term alcohol now refers to a wider class of substances in chemistry nomenclature. - The use of alcohol for ethanol is modern and was first recorded in 1753.

Medical Uses - Ethanol is used as a general anesthetic during surgery in ancient Mesopotamia and in medieval times. - It is used in medical wipes and hand sanitizer gels as an antiseptic for its bactericidal and anti-fungal effects. - Ethanol may be administered as an antidote to ethylene glycol poisoning and methanol poisoning. - It is used to dissolve many water-insoluble medications and related compounds. - Ethanol is used as a recreational drug and is one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive drugs. - Ethanol is used as an anesthetic, inducing anesthetic coma at certain concentrations. - It is used as an antiseptic for its bactericidal and anti-fungal effects. - Ethanol is administered as an antidote to ethylene glycol poisoning and methanol poisoning. - It is used as a solvent to dissolve water-insoluble medications and related compounds. - Ethanol is used in over 700 liquid preparations of medicine as an antimicrobial preservative. - Ethanol is primarily metabolised in the liver and stomach by alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. - The resulting intermediate, acetaldehyde, is a known carcinogen and poses greater toxicity in humans. - The oxidation of acetaldehyde into acetate is performed by aldehyde dehydrogenase enzymes. - Mutations in ALDH2 and ADH1B genes affect the metabolism of ethanol in certain populations. - Acetaldehyde toxicity is responsible for many symptoms associated with alcohol intoxication.

Recreational Use and Regulation - Ethanol is a central nervous system depressant and one of the most commonly consumed psychoactive drugs. - Despite its psychoactive, addictive, and carcinogenic properties, ethanol is readily available and legal in most countries. - Laws regulate the sale, exportation/importation, taxation, manufacturing, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages.

Fuel - Corn vs ethanol production in the United States - Total corn production (bushels) - Corn used for Ethanol fuel (bushels) - Percent of corn used for Ethanol - Energy content (lower heating value) of some fuels compared with ethanol - Largest single use of ethanol is as an engine fuel and fuel additive - Brazil heavily relies on ethanol as an engine fuel - Gasoline sold in Brazil contains at least 25% anhydrous ethanol - US primarily uses E10 and E85 ethanol/gasoline mixtures - Ethanol reduces harmful tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gas emissions compared to gasoline - Ethanol was commonly used as fuel in early bipropellant rockets - German V-2 rocket used ethanol mixed with water to reduce combustion chamber temperature - Alcohols fell into disuse as more energy-dense rocket fuels were developed - Ethanol is currently used in lightweight rocket-powered racing aircraft - Ethanol is an attractive alternative for fuel cells - Commercial fuel cells operate on reformed natural gas, hydrogen, or methanol - Ethanol is widely available, low cost, high purity, and low toxicity - Various fuel cell concepts using ethanol are being researched and commercialised - Ethanol fuel cells have potential for wide application - Ethanol fireplaces can be used for home heating or decoration - Ethanol can be used as stove fuel for cooking

Physical Properties and Natural Occurrence - Ethanol is a volatile, colorless liquid with a slight odor. - It burns with a smokeless blue flame. - Ethanol's physical properties are influenced by its hydroxyl group and short carbon chain. - The hydroxyl group allows ethanol to participate in hydrogen bonding, making it more viscous and less volatile than similar organic compounds. - Ethanol has an adiabatic flame temperature of 2082 °C or 3779 °F. - Ethanol is a versatile solvent, miscible with water and many organic solvents. - It can dissolve substances like acetic acid, acetone, benzene, and more. - Ethanol is also miscible with light aliphatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic chlorides. - Longer-chain alcohols have reduced water miscibility compared to ethanol. - Ethanol-water mixtures have less volume than the sum of their individual components. - Ethanol has a flash point of 13°C (55°F) and can ignite below room temperature. - An ethanol-water solution will catch fire when heated above its flash point with an ignition source. - Ethanol is considered a flammable liquid in concentrations above 2.35% by mass. - Flash points of ethanol-water mixtures vary with different ethanol mass fractions. - Ethanol is used for culinary effects in dishes called flambé. - Ethanol is a byproduct of yeast metabolism and can be found in yeast habitats. - Overripe fruit commonly contains ethanol. - Ethanol is produced by symbiotic yeast in bertam palm blossoms. - Some animal species exhibit ethanol-seeking behaviors, while others show no interest or avoidance. - Ethanol is produced during the germination of many plants and has been detected in outer space. - Ethanol can be produced as a petrochemical through the hydration of ethylene. - It can also be produced via biological processes. - Denatured ethanol, with a concentration of 94%, is commonly sold for household use. - Ethanol is used in the production of various products, including fuels, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. - The production of ethanol contributes to the global biofuels industry.