Ethyl alcohol can be recognized by its smell. However, it can only be distinguished in this way from substances that are very distant in structure. As for connections of one group with him, everything is more complicated. But this is also more interesting.

Composition and formula

Ethanol - and this is exactly what one of its official names sounds like - refers to simple alcohols. It is familiar to almost everyone under one name or another. Often it is simply called alcohol, sometimes the adjectives “ethyl” or “wine” are added; chemists can also call it methylcarbinol. But the essence is the same - C 2 H 5 OH. This formula is familiar, perhaps, to almost everyone since school days. And many people remember how similar this substance is to its closest relative - methanol. The only problem is that the latter is extremely toxic. But more on that later; first, it’s worth taking a closer look at ethanol.

By the way, in chemistry there are many similar terms, so do not confuse ethyl alcohol, for example, with ethylene. The latter is a colorless flammable gas and does not at all resemble a transparent liquid with a characteristic odor. There is also ethane gas, and its name is also similar to the name “ethanol”. But these are also completely different substances.

Methyl and ethyl

For many years, the problem of mass poisoning has remained relevant due to the impossibility of distinguishing two alcohols at home. Counterfeit alcohol, underground or simply low-quality production - all this increases the risk of poor cleaning and neglect of technological conditions.

All this is complicated by the fact that, in their basic properties, methyl and ethyl alcohols are almost identical substances, and a non-specialist without the necessary equipment simply cannot distinguish one from the other. Moreover, the lethal dose of methanol is 30 grams, whereas in the case of ordinary alcohol such a volume is completely safe for an adult. That is why, if you are not sure of the origin of the drink, it is better not to drink it.

Interestingly, the antidote for industrial alcohol is pure methanol. So, if you notice signs of acute poisoning, you need to administer the latter solution intravenously or take it orally. It is important not to confuse the state of methanol intoxication with ordinary heavy alcohol intoxication or poisoning. In this case, as well as in case of poisoning with certain other substances, you should never take additional ethyl alcohol. The cost of a mistake can be very high.

Physical and chemical properties

Ethanol shares all the common characteristics and reactions of alcohols. It is colorless and has a characteristic taste and smell. Under normal conditions, it is liquid, turns into a solid form at a temperature of -114 o C, and boils at +78 degrees. The density of ethyl alcohol is 0.79. Mixes well with water, glycerin, benzene and many other substances. It evaporates easily, so it should be stored in well-closed containers. It itself is an excellent solvent and also has excellent antiseptic properties. Very flammable in both liquid and vapor states.

Ethanol is a psychoactive and narcotic substance and is included in all alcoholic beverages. The lethal dose for an adult is 300-400 milliliters of a 96% alcohol solution consumed within an hour. This figure is quite arbitrary, since it depends on a large number of factors. For children, 6-30 milliliters is enough. So ethanol is also a fairly effective poison. However, it is widely used because it has a number of unique properties that make it versatile.

Varieties

There are several types of ethyl alcohol used for different purposes. They mainly reflect methods of obtaining a substance, but often talk about various processing methods.

Thus, the inscription on the package “Rectified ethyl alcohol” indicates that the contents have been specially purified to remove impurities. It is quite difficult to completely clean it, for example, of water, but you can reduce its presence as much as possible.

Alcohol can also be denatured. In this case, the opposite is true: difficult-to-remove impurities are added to ethanol, making it unsuitable for internal consumption, but not complicating its use for its main purpose. As a rule, kerosene, acetone, methanol, etc. act as denatured alcohol.

In addition, a distinction is made between ethyl alcohol, medical alcohol, technical alcohol, and food alcohol. For each of these varieties there is a strict standard that provides certain criteria. But we'll talk about them a little later.

Among other things, the percentage of content is often indicated on the packaging. This is relevant, again, due to the fact that ethanol is difficult to completely purify from water, and usually there is no serious need for this.

Receipt

The production of ethyl alcohol involves the use of one of three main methods: microbiological, synthetic or hydrolysis. In the first case, we are dealing with the fermentation process, in the second, as a rule, chemical reactions using acetylene or ethylene are involved, but the third speaks for itself. Each method has its pros and cons, difficulties and advantages.

First, let's look at ethyl alcohol, which is produced only for food purposes. For its production, only the fermentation method is used. During this process, grape sugar is broken down into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This method has been known since ancient times and is the most natural. But it also requires more time. In addition, the resulting substance is not pure alcohol and requires a fairly large number of processing and purification operations.

To obtain technical ethanol, fermentation is impractical, so producers resort to one of two options. The first of them is sulfate hydration of ethylene. It is performed in several stages, but there is a simpler method. The second option is direct hydration of ethylene in the presence of phosphoric acid. This reaction is reversible. However, both of these methods are also imperfect, and the resulting substance requires further processing.

Hydrolysis is a relatively new method that makes it possible to obtain ethyl alcohol from wood. To do this, the raw materials are crushed and treated with 2-5% sulfuric acid at a temperature of 100-170 degrees Celsius. This method allows you to obtain up to 200 liters of ethanol from 1 ton of wood. For various reasons, the hydrolysis method is not very popular in Europe, unlike the USA, where more and more factories are being opened that work on this principle.

Standards

All ethanol produced at the plants must meet certain standards. Each method of production and processing has its own, which indicates the main characteristics that the final product should have. A lot of properties are considered, for example, the content of impurities, the density of ethyl alcohol, and purpose. Each variety has its own standard.

For example, synthetic technical ethyl alcohol - GOST R 51999-2002 - is divided into two grades: first and highest. The obvious difference between the two is the ethanol volume fraction, which is 96% and 96.2% respectively. The standard indicates under this number both rectified and denatured ethyl alcohol intended for use in the perfume industry.

For a more prosaic purpose - use as a solvent - there is its own GOST: R 52574-2006. Here we are talking only about denatured alcohol with different volume fractions of ethanol - 92.5% and 99%.

As for this type of food grade ethyl alcohol, GOST R 51652-2000 applies to it, and it has as many as 6 grades: first (96%), highest purity (96.2%), "Basi" (96%). ), "Extra" (96.3%), "Lux" (96.3%) and "Alpha" (96.3%). Here we are talking primarily about raw materials and some other complex indicators. For example, the Alpha brand product is produced only from wheat, rye or a mixture of them.

Until now, many people draw, so to speak, parallels between the two concepts: ethyl alcohol - GOST 18300-87, which was adopted back in the USSR. This standard has long lost force, which, however, does not prevent production from being built in accordance with it to this day.

Usage

It is perhaps difficult to find a substance that has such wide application. Ethyl alcohol is used in one way or another in many industries.

First of all, this is the food industry. A wide variety of alcoholic drinks - from wines and liqueurs to whiskey, vodka and cognac - contain the mentioned alcohol. But ethanol itself is not used in its pure form. The technology involves adding raw materials, for example, grape juice, and initiating the fermentation process, and the output is a finished product.

Another area of ​​wide application is medicine. Ethyl alcohol 95% is used most often in this case, because it has excellent antiseptic properties and also dissolves many substances, which allows it to be used to make effective tinctures, mixtures and other preparations. In addition, with various types of external use, it is capable of both effectively warming and cooling the body. By applying it to the skin, you can quickly reduce your high body temperature by a degree or a half. Conversely, vigorous rubbing will help warm up. In addition, when storing anatomical preparations, ethyl alcohol is also used.

Of course, another area of ​​application is technology, chemistry and everything connected with it. We are talking about paint coatings, solvents, cleaners, etc. In addition, ethanol is used in the industrial production of many substances or is a raw material for them (diethyl ether, tetraethyl pork, acetic acid, chloroform, ethylene, rubber and many others). Technical ethyl alcohol, of course, is completely unsuitable for food, even if it is purified.

Of course, in all these cases we are talking about completely different varieties, each of which has its own characteristics. Thus, rectified food grade ethyl alcohol is unlikely to be used for technical purposes, especially since it is subject to excise tax, which means its cost is much higher compared to unrefined alcohol. However, pricing will be discussed separately.

Application in new technologies

In recent years, there has been increasing talk about the use of ethanol as fuel. This approach has its opponents and supporters, and this is especially often discussed in the United States. The fact is that American farmers traditionally grow a lot of corn, which theoretically can serve as an excellent raw material for producing ethyl alcohol. The price of such fuel will definitely be lower than the cost of gasoline. This option removes the issue of dependence of many countries on oil supplies and energy prices, because alcohol production can be located anywhere. In addition, it is safer from an environmental point of view. However, we can already see the use of ethanol in this capacity, but on a much smaller scale. These are alcohol lamps - special chemical heaters, home mini-fireplaces, as well as many other devices.

This could be a truly promising area of ​​work in the search for alternative, renewable and fairly cheap energy sources. The problem for Russia here is mentality. Suffice it to say that the alcohol lanterns in Moscow did not last long - the workers who were engaged in their work simply drank the raw materials. And even if the fuel contains various impurities, it is unlikely that poisoning will be completely avoided. However, there are other reasons for the Russian Federation not to strive for such changes, since the transition to this type of energy threatens the country with a serious decrease in the volume of energy exports.

Effect on the human body

In the SanPin classification, ethanol belongs to class 4, that is, low-hazard substances. This, by the way, includes kerosene, ammonia, methane and some other elements. But this does not mean that you should not take alcohol lightly.

Ethyl alcohol, when ingested, seriously affects the central nervous system of all animals. It causes a condition called alcoholic intoxication, characterized by inappropriate behavior, inhibition of reactions, decreased susceptibility to various kinds of irritants, etc. At the same time, all blood vessels dilate, heat transfer increases, heartbeat and breathing become more frequent. In a state of slight intoxication, characteristic excitation is clearly visible, which, with increasing doses, is replaced by depression of the central nervous system. As a rule, drowsiness appears after this.

At higher doses, alcohol intoxication may occur, which seriously differs from the picture described earlier. The fact is that ethanol is a narcotic substance, but is not used as such, since effective euthanasia requires doses extremely close to those at which paralysis of vital centers occurs. The state of alcohol intoxication is exactly the point where a person can die without emergency assistance, which is why it is so important to distinguish this from intoxication. In this case, something like a coma is observed, breathing is rare and smells of alcohol, the pulse is rapid, the skin is pale and moist, and the body temperature is low. You should immediately seek medical help and also try to rinse your stomach.

Regular consumption of ethanol can cause addiction - alcoholism. It is characterized by changes and degradation of personality; various organ systems are also affected, primarily the liver. There is even a disease characteristic of “experienced” alcoholics - cirrhosis. In some cases, it even leads to the need for a transplant.

As for external use, ethyl alcohol irritates the skin, while at the same time being an effective antiseptic. It also thickens the epidermis, which is why it is used to treat bedsores and other injuries.

Implementation and its features

Standards are not the only thing those who produce ethyl alcohol deal with. The price of different varieties, brands and varieties varies greatly. And this is not without reason, because what is intended for consumption is an excisable product. The imposition of this additional tax makes the cost of the corresponding rectification noticeably higher. This allows, to a certain extent, to control the turnover of ethyl alcohol on sale, as well as the cost of alcoholic products.

By the way, this is also a substance subject to strict accounting. Since ethanol is used in the production of drugs, medical procedures, etc., it is stored in one form or another in pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and other institutions. However, this does not mean that by getting a job in the relevant specialty, you can easily and quietly obtain at least some amount of the substance for use. Ethyl alcohol is recorded using a special journal, and violation of the procedures is an administrative offense and is punishable by a fine. That the loss will be noticed in the shortest possible time.

13.12.2017 Doctor Evgenia Aleksandrovna Miroshnikova 0

Ethanol: properties and applications

Ethanol is a substance with a characteristic odor and taste. It was first obtained as a result of a fermentation reaction. For the latter, various products were used: cereals, vegetables, berries. Then people mastered distillation processes and ways to obtain a more concentrated alcohol solution. Ethanol (like its analogues) has become widespread due to its complex of properties. To avoid dangerous effects on the body, you should know the characteristics of the substance and the specifics of its use.

Ethanol (also called wine alcohol) is a monohydric alcohol, that is, it contains only one atom. Latin name - Aethanolum. Formula - C2H5OH. This alcohol is used in various industries: industry, cosmetology, dentistry, pharmaceuticals.

Ethanol has become the basis for the production of various alcoholic beverages. This was made possible due to the ability of its molecule to suppress the central nervous system. According to regulatory documents, rectified ethyl alcohol has GOST 5962-2013. It should be distinguished from the technical version of the liquid, which is used primarily for industrial purposes. The production and storage of alcoholic beverages is carried out under the control of government agencies.

Benefits and harms of the substance

Ethyl alcohol, when consumed in strictly limited dosages, is beneficial for the body. You can purchase it at a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription. The price fluctuates depending on the volume of the container. The benefits of ethanol are manifested in:

• normalization of the functioning of the digestive tract;
• prevention of myocardial diseases;
• normalization of blood circulation;
• blood thinning;
• reduction of pain syndrome.

As a result of regular use of the substance, the body experiences oxygen starvation. Due to the rapid death of brain cells, memory deteriorates and sensitivity to pain decreases. The negative impact on internal organs is manifested in the development of various concomitant diseases. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to severe poisoning and coma.
Alcoholism is characterized by the development of both physical and mental dependence. In the absence of treatment and cessation of the use of alcohol-containing substances, personal degradation occurs and full-fledged social connections are disrupted.

Properties

Ethanol is a natural metabolite. This lies in its ability to be synthesized in the human body.

The group of properties of wine alcohol can be divided into three categories:

1. physical;
2. chemical;
3. fire hazardous.

The first category includes a description of appearance and other physical parameters. Under normal conditions, ethanol is volatile and differs from other substances in its unique aroma and pungent taste. The weight of one liter of liquid is 790 grams.

It dissolves various organic substances well. The boiling point is 78.39 °C. Ethanol has a lower density (as measured with a hydrometer) than water, making it lighter.

Ethyl alcohol is flammable and can ignite quickly. When burning, the flame is blue in color. Thanks to this chemical property, ethanol can be easily distinguished from methyl alcohol, which is poisonous to humans. The latter has a green flame when ignited.

In order to identify vodka made with methanol at home, you need to heat a copper wire and dip it into the vodka (one spoon is enough). The aroma of rotten apples is a sign of ethyl alcohol, the smell of formaldehyde indicates the presence of methanol.

Ethanol is a fire hazard because its ignition temperature is only 18°C. Therefore, when in contact with the substance, heating it should be avoided.

When ethanol is abused, it has harmful effects on the body. This is due to the mechanisms that are triggered by the intake of any alcohol. A mixture of water and alcohol provokes the release of the hormone endorphin.

This contributes to a sedative-hypnotic effect, that is, suppression of consciousness. The latter is expressed in the predominance of inhibition processes, which is manifested by such symptoms as reduced reaction, inhibition of movements and speech. An overdose of ethanol is characterized at the beginning by the appearance of excitation, which is then replaced by inhibition processes.

Short story

Ethanol has been used since the Neolithic era. Proof of this are traces of alcoholic beverages found in China on ceramics that are about 9,000 years old. Ethanol was first produced in the 12th century in Salerno. It was a mixture of water and alcohol.

The pure product was obtained in 1796 by Johann Tobias Lowitz. The scientist used activated carbon for filtration. For many years, this method of producing alcohol was the only one.
Subsequently, the formula of ethanol was calculated by Nicolò-Theodore de Saussure. The substance was described as a carbon compound by Antoine Lavoisier. The 19th and 20th centuries are characterized as a period of careful study of ethanol, when its properties were described in detail. Thanks to the latter, it has become widely used in various sectors of human life.

What are the dangers of ethanol?

Ethanol is one of those substances, ignorance of the properties of which can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, before using it, you should familiarize yourself with the dangers of wine alcohol.

Is it possible to drink?

The use of alcohol in alcoholic beverages is permissible under one condition: drink rarely and in small doses. When abuse occurs, physical and mental dependence develops, that is, alcoholism.

Uncontrolled use of alcohol-containing drinks (when the ethanol concentration is 12 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight) causes severe intoxication of the body, which in the absence of timely medical care can cause death.

You cannot drink ethanol in its pure form.

What diseases does it cause?

When consuming ethanol, the products of its breakdown in the body pose a great danger. One of them is acetaldehyde, which belongs to toxic and mutagenic substances. Carcinogenic properties cause the development of oncological pathologies.

Excessive consumption of ethyl alcohol is dangerous:

• memory impairment;
• death of brain cells;
• disruption of the functioning of the digestive tract (gastritis, duodenal ulcer);
• development of liver diseases (cirrhosis), kidneys;
• disruption of the functioning of the myocardium and blood vessels (stroke, heart attack);
• personal degradation;
• irreversible processes in the central nervous system.

Application

The wide range of characteristics of ethanol has ensured its use in various directions. The most popular of them are the following:

1. As a fuel for cars. The use of ethyl alcohol as a motor fuel is associated with the name of Henry Ford. In 1880, he created the first car that ran on ethanol. After this, the substance began to be used to operate rocket engines and various heating devices.
2. Chemical industry. Ethanol is used to produce other substances, such as ethylene. Being an excellent solvent, ethyl alcohol is used in the production of varnish, paints, and household chemicals.
3. Pharmacological industry. Ethanol is used in different ways in this area. The disinfecting properties of medical alcohol allow it to be used to treat the surgical field and the surgeon’s hands. It is used to reduce the manifestations of fever, as a basis for compresses and tinctures. Ethanol is an antidote that helps with methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. It has found use as an antifoaming agent when administering oxygen or mechanical ventilation.
4. Cosmetics industry. Manufacturers of cosmetics and perfumes include ethanol in various colognes, eau de toilette, aerosols, shampoos and other skin and body care products.
5. Food industry. Ethyl alcohol is used as the main component of alcoholic beverages. It is found in products that have been obtained through fermentation processes. It is used as a solvent for various flavorings and a preservative in the production of bread, buns, and confectionery. Ethyl alcohol is a food additive E1510.
6. Other directions. Wine alcohol is used when working with biological preparations.

Interaction with other substances

According to the instructions for use, ethanol, when used simultaneously, can enhance the effect of drugs that depress the central nervous system, circulatory processes, and the respiratory center.
Interactions with some substances are indicated in the table.

Ethanol, depending on its use, can be either beneficial or harmful. With regular consumption of alcohol containing ethyl alcohol, addiction occurs. Therefore, the use of strong drinks as antidepressants should not become a habit.

Alcohols(or alkanols) are organic substances whose molecules contain one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH groups) connected to a hydrocarbon radical.

Classification of alcohols

According to the number of hydroxyl groups(atomicity) alcohols are divided into:

Monatomic, For example:

Diatomic(glycols), for example:

Triatomic, For example:

According to the nature of the hydrocarbon radical The following alcohols are released:

Limit containing only saturated hydrocarbon radicals in the molecule, for example:

Unlimited containing multiple (double and triple) bonds between carbon atoms in the molecule, for example:

Aromatic, i.e. alcohols containing a benzene ring and a hydroxyl group in the molecule, connected to each other not directly, but through carbon atoms, for example:

Organic substances containing hydroxyl groups in the molecule, connected directly to the carbon atom of the benzene ring, differ significantly in chemical properties from alcohols and therefore are classified as an independent class of organic compounds - phenols.

For example:

There are also polyhydric (polyhydric alcohols) containing more than three hydroxyl groups in the molecule. For example, the simplest hexahydric alcohol hexaol (sorbitol)

Nomenclature and isomerism of alcohols

When forming the names of alcohols, a (generic) suffix is ​​added to the name of the hydrocarbon corresponding to the alcohol. ol.

The numbers after the suffix indicate the position of the hydroxyl group in the main chain, and the prefixes di-, tri-, tetra- etc. - their number:

In the numbering of carbon atoms in the main chain, the position of the hydroxyl group takes precedence over the position of multiple bonds:

Starting from the third member of the homologous series, alcohols exhibit isomerism of the position of the functional group (propanol-1 and propanol-2), and from the fourth, isomerism of the carbon skeleton (butanol-1, 2-methylpropanol-1). They are also characterized by interclass isomerism - alcohols are isomeric to ethers:

Let's give a name to the alcohol, the formula of which is given below:

Name construction order:

1. The carbon chain is numbered from the end closest to the –OH group.
2. The main chain contains 7 C atoms, which means the corresponding hydrocarbon is heptane.
3. The number of –OH groups is 2, the prefix is ​​“di”.
4. Hydroxyl groups are located at 2 and 3 carbon atoms, n = 2 and 4.

Alcohol name: heptanediol-2,4

Physical properties of alcohols

Alcohols can form hydrogen bonds both between alcohol molecules and between alcohol and water molecules. Hydrogen bonds arise from the interaction of a partially positively charged hydrogen atom of one alcohol molecule and a partially negatively charged oxygen atom of another molecule. It is thanks to hydrogen bonds between molecules that alcohols have abnormally high boiling points for their molecular weight. Thus, propane with a relative molecular weight of 44 under normal conditions is a gas, and the simplest of alcohols is methanol, having a relative molecular weight of 32, under normal conditions it is a liquid.

The lower and middle members of a series of saturated monohydric alcohols containing from 1 to 11 carbon atoms are liquids. Higher alcohols (starting from C12H25OH) at room temperature - solids. Lower alcohols have an alcoholic odor and a pungent taste; they are highly soluble in water. As the carbon radical increases, the solubility of alcohols in water decreases, and octanol no longer mixes with water.

Chemical properties of alcohols

The properties of organic substances are determined by their composition and structure. Alcohols confirm the general rule. Their molecules include hydrocarbon and hydroxyl groups, so the chemical properties of alcohols are determined by the interaction of these groups with each other.

The properties characteristic of this class of compounds are due to the presence of a hydroxyl group.

1. Interaction of alcohols with alkali and alkaline earth metals. To identify the effect of a hydrocarbon radical on a hydroxyl group, it is necessary to compare the properties of a substance containing a hydroxyl group and a hydrocarbon radical, on the one hand, and a substance containing a hydroxyl group and not containing a hydrocarbon radical, on the other. Such substances can be, for example, ethanol (or other alcohol) and water. The hydrogen of the hydroxyl group of alcohol molecules and water molecules is capable of being reduced by alkali and alkaline earth metals (replaced by them)
2. Interaction of alcohols with hydrogen halides. Substitution of a hydroxyl group with a halogen leads to the formation of haloalkanes. For example:
   This reaction is reversible.
3. Intermolecular dehydrationalcohols- splitting off a water molecule from two alcohol molecules when heated in the presence of water-removing agents:
   As a result of intermolecular dehydration of alcohols, ethers. Thus, when ethyl alcohol is heated with sulfuric acid to a temperature of 100 to 140°C, diethyl (sulfur) ether is formed.
   
4. The interaction of alcohols with organic and inorganic acids to form esters (esterification reaction)
   
   The esterification reaction is catalyzed by strong inorganic acids. For example, when ethyl alcohol and acetic acid react, ethyl acetate is formed:
   
5. Intramolecular dehydration of alcohols occurs when alcohols are heated in the presence of water-removing agents to a higher temperature than the temperature of intermolecular dehydration. As a result, alkenes are formed. This reaction is due to the presence of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group at adjacent carbon atoms. An example is the reaction of producing ethene (ethylene) by heating ethanol above 140°C in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid:
   
6. Oxidation of alcohols usually carried out with strong oxidizing agents, for example, potassium dichromate or potassium permanganate in an acidic environment. In this case, the action of the oxidizing agent is directed to the carbon atom that is already bonded to the hydroxyl group. Depending on the nature of the alcohol and the reaction conditions, various products can be formed. Thus, primary alcohols are oxidized first into aldehydes, and then into carboxylic acids: When secondary alcohols are oxidized, ketones are formed:
   
   Tertiary alcohols are quite resistant to oxidation. However, under harsh conditions (strong oxidizing agent, high temperature), oxidation of tertiary alcohols is possible, which occurs with the rupture of carbon-carbon bonds closest to the hydroxyl group.
7. Dehydrogenation of alcohols. When alcohol vapor is passed at 200-300 °C over a metal catalyst, such as copper, silver or platinum, primary alcohols are converted into aldehydes, and secondary alcohols into ketones:
   
   
8. Qualitative reaction to polyhydric alcohols.
   The presence of several hydroxyl groups in the alcohol molecule at the same time determines the specific properties of polyhydric alcohols, which are capable of forming bright blue complex compounds soluble in water when interacting with a freshly obtained precipitate of copper (II) hydroxide. For ethylene glycol we can write:
   
   Monohydric alcohols are not able to enter into this reaction. Therefore, it is a qualitative reaction to polyhydric alcohols.
   

Preparation of alcohols:

Use of alcohols

Methanol(methyl alcohol CH 3 OH) is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and a boiling point of 64.7 ° C. Burns with a slightly bluish flame. The historical name of methanol - wood alcohol is explained by one of the ways of its production by distilling hard wood (Greek methy - wine, get drunk; hule - substance, wood).

Methanol requires careful handling when working with it. Under the action of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, it is converted in the body into formaldehyde and formic acid, which damage the retina, cause death of the optic nerve and complete loss of vision. Ingestion of more than 50 ml of methanol causes death.

Ethanol(ethyl alcohol C 2 H 5 OH) is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor and a boiling point of 78.3 ° C. Flammable Mixes with water in any ratio. The concentration (strength) of alcohol is usually expressed as a percentage by volume. “Pure” (medicinal) alcohol is a product obtained from food raw materials and containing 96% (by volume) ethanol and 4% (by volume) water. To obtain anhydrous ethanol - “absolute alcohol”, this product is treated with substances that chemically bind water (calcium oxide, anhydrous copper (II) sulfate, etc.).

In order to make alcohol used for technical purposes unsuitable for drinking, small amounts of difficult-to-separate toxic, bad-smelling and disgusting-tasting substances are added to it and tinted. Alcohol containing such additives is called denatured or denatured alcohol.

Ethanol is widely used in industry for the production of synthetic rubber, medicines, is used as a solvent, is part of varnishes and paints, and perfumes. In medicine, ethyl alcohol is the most important disinfectant. Used for preparing alcoholic drinks.

When small amounts of ethyl alcohol enter the human body, they reduce pain sensitivity and block inhibition processes in the cerebral cortex, causing a state of intoxication. At this stage of the action of ethanol, water separation in the cells increases and, consequently, urine formation accelerates, resulting in dehydration of the body.

In addition, ethanol causes dilation of blood vessels. Increased blood flow in the skin capillaries leads to redness of the skin and a feeling of warmth.

In large quantities, ethanol inhibits brain activity (inhibition stage) and causes impaired coordination of movements. An intermediate product of ethanol oxidation in the body, acetaldehyde, is extremely toxic and causes severe poisoning.

Systematic consumption of ethyl alcohol and drinks containing it leads to a persistent decrease in brain productivity, death of liver cells and their replacement with connective tissue - liver cirrhosis.

Ethanediol-1,2(ethylene glycol) is a colorless viscous liquid. Poisonous. Unlimitedly soluble in water. Aqueous solutions do not crystallize at temperatures significantly below 0 °C, which makes it possible to use it as a component of non-freezing coolants - antifreeze for internal combustion engines.

Prolactriol-1,2,3(glycerin) is a viscous, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste. Unlimitedly soluble in water. Non-volatile. As a component of esters, it is found in fats and oils.

Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries. In cosmetics, glycerin plays the role of an emollient and soothing agent. It is added to toothpaste to prevent it from drying out.

Glycerin is added to confectionery products to prevent their crystallization. It is sprayed onto tobacco, in which case it acts as a humectant that prevents the tobacco leaves from drying out and crumbling before processing. It is added to adhesives to prevent them from drying out too quickly, and to plastics, especially cellophane. In the latter case, glycerin acts as a plasticizer, acting like a lubricant between polymer molecules and thus giving plastics the necessary flexibility and elasticity.

Today, the realities are such that ethyl alcohol occupies a leading place among the products of organic synthesis. It is used in cosmetology and medicine.

In addition, alcohol is used in production. It has been known since school that C 2 H 5 OH is the formula for alcohol, but not everyone knows how it is actually produced.

Production methods

The first option for producing ethyl alcohol is alcoholic fermentation. This method has been known since time immemorial. Without going into details, fermentation occurs due to the activity of bacteria and yeast. Grapes are usually used as a raw material, since it contains carbohydrates and sucrose. Corn, rice, and potatoes are processed using the same method.

After fermentation, the concentration in the solution of C 2 H 5 OH (chemical formula of ethyl alcohol) reaches 15%. Such a low percentage is explained by the fact that at higher concentrations, the yeast begins to die in its own alcohol solution. The ethanol is then concentrated and purified by distillation.

The following stages are distinguished in the production of alcohol from food raw materials:

1. corn, wheat, potatoes, rye grains are crushed;
2. breaking down starch into sugars (fermentation);
3. accumulation of alcohol due to fermentation of sugar by yeast;
4. purification and filtration of the resulting solution (rectification).

After passing through all stages, the ethanol concentration becomes 95.6%.

Industrial production

Wood and straw containing cellulose are used industrially to produce ethyl alcohol. Cellulose is subjected to hydrolysis, that is, the process of decomposition of the components of the solution with the help of water occurs to obtain new formations. The chemical formula of alcohol obtained by hydration looks like this:

CH 2 =CH 2 + H 2 O -> C 2 H 5 OH

During the processing of raw materials, various impurities are formed in ethanol. For use in the industrial, pharmaceutical and food industries, it requires cleaning.

Alcohol rectification is the name given to the process of chemical purification of ethanol from harmful impurities. After it, the characteristic unpleasant smell of fusel oils disappears. Its formula remains unchanged, but it becomes transparent because it does not contain foreign particles. Alcohol that is purified better and of higher quality has a higher strength and grade (rectification is carried out several times). Drinkable alcohol is rectified alcohol that has undergone the highest degree of purification.

Ethanol - what is this substance? What are its uses and how is it produced? Ethanol is better known to everyone under a different name - alcohol. Of course, this is not an entirely correct designation. But meanwhile, it is by the word “alcohol” that we mean “ethanol”. Even our ancestors knew about its existence. They obtained it through a fermentation process. Various products were used, from cereals to berries. But in the resulting mash, which is what alcoholic drinks were called in the old days, the amount of ethanol did not exceed 15 percent. Pure alcohol could only be isolated after distillation processes were studied.

Ethanol - what is it?

Ethanol is a monohydric alcohol. Under normal conditions, it is a volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a specific odor and taste. Ethanol has found wide application in industry, medicine and everyday life. It is an excellent disinfectant. Alcohol is used as a fuel and as a solvent. But most of all, the ethanol formula C2H5OH is known to lovers of alcoholic beverages. It is in this area that this substance has found wide application. But we should not forget that alcohol, as an active component of alcoholic drinks, is a strong depressant. This psychoactive substance can depress the central nervous system and cause severe addiction.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find an industry that does not use ethanol. It is difficult to list all the benefits of alcohol. But most of all its properties were appreciated in pharmaceuticals. Ethanol is the main component of almost all medicinal tinctures. Many “grandmother’s recipes” for treating human ailments are based on this substance. It draws out all the beneficial substances from plants, accumulating them. This property of alcohol has found application in the production of homemade herbal and berry tinctures. And although these are alcoholic drinks, they provide health benefits in moderation.

The benefits of ethanol

The formula of ethanol is known to everyone since school chemistry lessons. But not everyone can answer right away what the benefits of this chemical are. In fact, it is difficult to imagine an industry that does not use alcohol. First of all, ethanol is used in medicine as a powerful disinfectant. They are used to treat the surgical surface and wounds. Alcohol has a detrimental effect on almost all groups of microorganisms. But ethanol is used not only in surgery. It is indispensable for the production of medicinal extracts and tinctures.

In small doses, alcohol is beneficial for the human body. It helps thin the blood, improve blood circulation and dilate blood vessels. It is even used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Ethanol helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. But only in really small doses.

In special cases, the psychotropic effect of alcohol can drown out the most severe pain. Ethanol has also found application in cosmetology. Due to its pronounced antiseptic properties, it is included in almost all cleansing lotions for problematic and oily skin.

The harm of ethanol

Ethanol is an alcohol produced by fermentation. If consumed excessively, it can cause severe toxicological poisoning and even coma. This substance is part of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes severe psychological and physical dependence. Alcoholism is considered to be a disease. The dangers of ethanol are immediately associated with scenes of rampant drunkenness. Excessive consumption of drinks containing alcohol leads not only to food poisoning. Everything is much more complicated. Frequent drinking of alcohol affects almost all organ systems. From oxygen starvation, which ethanol causes, large numbers of brain cells die. Occurs In the first stages, memory weakens. Then the person develops diseases of the kidneys, liver, intestines, stomach, blood vessels and heart. Men experience loss of potency. In the final stages, an alcoholic exhibits mental deformation.

History of alcohol

Ethanol - what is this substance and how was it obtained? Not everyone knows that it has been used since prehistoric times. It was included in alcoholic drinks. True, its concentration was small. But meanwhile, traces of alcohol were found in China on 9,000-year-old ceramics. This clearly suggests that people were drinking alcohol-containing drinks back in the Neolithic era.

The first case was recorded in the 12th century in Salerno. True, it was a water-alcohol mixture. Pure ethanol was isolated by Johann Tobias Lowitz in 1796. He used the activated carbon filtration method. Producing ethanol in this way remained the only method for a long time. The formula of alcohol was calculated by Nicolò-Theodore de Saussure, and described as a carbon compound by Antoine Lavoisier. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many scientists studied ethanol. All its properties have been studied. Currently, it has become widespread and is used in almost all areas of human activity.

Production of ethanol by alcoholic fermentation

Perhaps the most well-known method for producing ethanol is alcoholic fermentation. This is only possible when using organic products that contain large amounts of carbohydrates, such as grapes, apples, and berries. Another important component for fermentation to proceed actively is the presence of yeast, enzymes and bacteria. Processing of potatoes, corn, and rice looks the same. To obtain fuel alcohol, raw sugar is used, which is produced from cane. The reaction is quite complex. As a result of fermentation, a solution is obtained that contains no more than 16% ethanol. It is not possible to obtain a higher concentration. This is explained by the fact that yeast is not able to survive in more saturated solutions. Thus, the resulting ethanol must be subjected to purification and concentration processes. Distillation processes are commonly used.

To produce ethanol, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae of various strains is used. In principle, they are all capable of activating this process. Sawdust can be used as a nutrient substrate or, as an alternative, a solution obtained from it.

Fuel

Many people know about the properties that ethanol has. It is also widely known that it is alcohol or a disinfectant. But alcohol is also a fuel. It is used in rocket engines. It is a well-known fact that during the First World War, 70% aqueous ethanol was used as fuel for the world's first German ballistic missile, the V-2.

Currently, alcohol has become more widespread. It is used as fuel in internal combustion engines and for heating devices. In laboratories it is poured into alcohol lamps. Catalytic oxidation of ethanol is used to produce heating pads, both military and tourist. Alcohol is used with restriction in mixtures with liquid petroleum fuel due to its hygroscopicity.

Ethanol in the chemical industry

Ethanol is widely used in the chemical industry. It serves as a raw material for the production of substances such as diethyl ether, acetic acid, chloroform, ethylene, acetaldehyde, tetraethyl lead, ethyl acetate. In the paint and varnish industry, ethanol is widely used as a solvent. Alcohol is the main component of windshield washers and antifreeze. Alcohol is also used in household chemicals. It is part of detergents and cleaning products. It is especially common as a component in cleaning fluids for plumbing fixtures and glass.

Ethyl alcohol in medicine

Ethyl alcohol can be classified as an antiseptic. It has a detrimental effect on almost all groups of microorganisms. It destroys the cells of bacteria and microscopic fungi. The use of ethanol in medicine is almost universal. This is an excellent drying and disinfectant. Due to its tanning properties, alcohol (96%) is used to treat operating tables and surgeon's hands.

Ethanol is a solvent for drugs. It is widely used for the production of tinctures and extracts from medicinal herbs and other plant materials. The minimum alcohol concentration in such substances does not exceed 18 percent. Ethanol is often used as a preservative.

Ethyl alcohol is also excellent for rubbing. During fever it produces a cooling effect. Very often, alcohol is used for warming compresses. At the same time, it is absolutely safe, there is no redness or burns on the skin. In addition, ethanol is used as an antifoam when artificially supplying oxygen during ventilation. Alcohol is also a component of general anesthesia, which can be used in case of shortage of medications.

Oddly enough, medical ethanol is used as an antidote for poisoning with toxic alcohols, such as methanol or ethylene glycol. Its action is due to the fact that in the presence of several substrates, the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase carries out only competitive oxidation. It is due to this that after immediate intake of ethanol following toxic methanol or ethylene glycol, a decrease in the current concentration of metabolites poisoning the body is observed. For methanol it is formic acid and formaldehyde, and for ethylene glycol it is oxalic acid.

Food industry

So, how to get ethanol was known to our ancestors. But it received its widest use only in the 19th and 20th centuries. Along with water, ethanol is the basis of almost all alcoholic beverages, primarily vodka, gin, rum, cognac, whiskey, and beer. Alcohol is also found in small quantities in drinks that are produced by fermentation, for example, kefir, kumis, and kvass. But they are not classified as alcohol, since the alcohol concentration in them is very low. Thus, the ethanol content in fresh kefir does not exceed 0.12%. But if it settles, the concentration can increase to 1%. Kvass contains slightly more ethyl alcohol (up to 1.2%). Kumis contains the most alcohol. In a fresh dairy product its concentration is from 1 to 3%, and in a settled one it reaches 4.5%.

Ethyl alcohol is a good solvent. This property allows it to be used in the food industry. Ethanol is a solvent for flavorings. In addition, it can be used as a preservative for baked goods. It is registered as food additive E1510. Ethanol has an energy value of 7.1 kcal/g.

The effect of ethanol on the human body

Ethanol production has been established all over the world. This valuable substance is used in many areas of human life. are medicine. Wipes soaked in this substance are used as a disinfectant. But what effect does ethanol have on our body when ingested? Is it beneficial or harmful? These issues require detailed study. Everyone knows that humanity has been consuming alcoholic beverages for centuries. But it was only in the last century that the problem of alcoholism became widespread. Our ancestors consumed mash, mead, and even the now so popular beer, but all these drinks contained a weak percentage of ethanol. Therefore, they could not cause significant harm to health. But after Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev diluted alcohol with water in certain proportions, everything changed.

Currently, alcoholism is a problem in almost all countries of the world. Once in the body, alcohol has a pathological effect on almost all organs without exception. Depending on the concentration, dose, route of exposure and duration of exposure, ethanol can exhibit toxic and narcotic effects. It can disrupt the functioning of the cardiovascular system and contribute to the occurrence of diseases of the digestive tract, including stomach and duodenal ulcers. The narcotic effect refers to the ability of alcohol to cause stupor, insensitivity to pain and depression of the functions of the central nervous system. In addition, a person becomes excited about alcohol and very quickly becomes dependent. In some cases, excessive consumption of ethanol can cause coma.

What happens in our body when we drink alcoholic beverages? The ethanol molecule can damage the central nervous system. Under the influence of alcohol, the hormone endorphin is released in the nucleus accumbens, and in people with pronounced alcoholism, in the orbitofrontal cortex. But, nevertheless, despite this, ethanol is not recognized as a narcotic substance, although it exhibits all the relevant actions. Ethyl alcohol was not included on the international list of controlled substances. And this is a controversial issue, because in certain doses, namely 12 grams of the substance per 1 kilogram of body weight, ethanol first leads to acute poisoning and then death.

What diseases does ethanol cause?

The ethanol solution itself is not a carcinogen. But its main metabolite is acetaldehyde, a toxic and mutagenic substance. In addition, it also has carcinogenic properties and provokes the development of cancer. Its qualities were studied in laboratory conditions on experimental animals. These scientific works led to very interesting, but at the same time alarming results. It turns out that acetaldehyde is not just a carcinogen, it can damage DNA.

Long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause diseases in humans such as gastritis, cirrhosis of the liver, duodenal ulcers, cancer of the stomach, esophagus, small intestine and rectum, and cardiovascular diseases. Regular exposure to ethanol in the body can cause oxidative damage to brain neurons. Due to damage they die. Abuse of drinks containing alcohol leads to alcoholism and clinical death. In people who regularly drink alcohol, the risk of developing a heart attack and stroke increases significantly.

But this is not all the properties of ethanol. This substance is a natural metabolite. In small quantities it can be synthesized in the tissues of the human body. It is called true. It is also produced as a result of the breakdown of carbohydrate foods in the gastrointestinal tract. This ethanol is called “conditionally endogenous alcohol.” Can a regular breathalyzer detect alcohol that has been synthesized in the body? Theoretically this is possible. Its amount rarely exceeds 0.18 ppm. This value is at the lower limit of the most modern measuring instruments.