Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)

Overview

Ethanol (CAS No: 64-17-5), also known as ethyl alcohol, is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid. It has a characteristic alcoholic odor and is the most widely used alcohol in the world. Ethanol is used industrially as a solvent, disinfectant, fuel additive, and food alcohol.

Ethanol is miscible with water and most organic solvents in all proportions. It can be produced naturally through fermentation or synthetically through petrochemical processes. It is particularly used in disinfectants, beverages, pharmaceutical products, and fuel additives. Its 70% aqueous solution is the most effective disinfectant concentration.

Applications

Ethanol has a wide range of industrial, medical, and consumer applications:

Technical Specifications

Safety Information

Hazard Symbols and Statements

Flammable Eye irritation Central nervous system effects

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
• Chemical goggles or face shield
• Respiratory protection with organic vapor filter for high vapor concentrations
• Chemical-resistant apron or work clothes
• Proper ventilation or local exhaust system
• Non-sparking, explosion-proof tools must be used

Storage Conditions

• Store in cool, well-ventilated, fireproof area
• Keep away from ignition sources and sparks
• Store in original closed containers, protected from sunlight
• Store separately from oxidizing agents
• Storage temperature: 15-25°C
• Grounding required to prevent static electricity buildup

Fire Fighting

• Suitable extinguishing agents: Dry chemical, CO₂, alcohol-resistant foam
• Water spray can be used for cooling
• Fighting should be done by trained personnel with appropriate respiratory protection
• Use dry chemical or CO₂ for small fires
• Use water spray or alcohol-resistant foam for large fires
• Cool containers with water during fire fighting

Handling and Storage

Handling

• Ensure containers are tightly closed during handling
• Grounding required to prevent static electricity buildup
• Provide adequate ventilation in handling areas
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during handling
• Containers should bear "Flammable Liquid" labels
• Fire extinguishing equipment should be available in handling areas

Storage

• Store in stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass containers
• "Flammable Liquid" signs should be present in storage areas
• Use appropriate breathing vents in storage tanks
• Use explosion-proof electrical systems for large quantities
• Smoking prohibited in storage areas
• Store separately from acids and oxidizers
• Vapor detectors should be present in storage areas

Spill Response Measures

• Remove all ignition sources
• Use appropriate respiratory protection
• Absorb spills with sand, chemical absorbent, or other absorbent materials
• Dispose of absorbed material appropriately
• Wash spill area with plenty of water and detergent
• Obtain professional cleanup service for large spills
• Prevent spills from entering sewers or water sources

Regulatory Information

GHS Classification

• Flammable Liquid Category 2
• Eye Irritation Category 2
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure) Category 3

Important Regulations

• REACH: Registered
• CLP: Compliant
• OSHA: Subject to hazard communication standard
• NFPA 704: Health 1, Flammability 3, Reactivity 0
• FDA: Food grade ethanol approved for certain applications
• EPA: Subject to renewable fuel standard

International Regulations

• European Union: Subject to Directive 2008/58/EC
• United States: Subject to FDA and EPA regulations
• China: Listed in IECSC
• Japan: Listed in ISHL
• Global: Listed in WHO disinfectant guidelines
• IMO: Not classified for marine pollution

Environmental Information

Environmental Impact

Ethanol degrades rapidly in the atmosphere through photochemical reactions (half-life 2-5 days). In water sources, it has low toxicity to aquatic organisms. It is readily biodegradable and does not persist in the environment. It evaporates quickly in soil and undergoes microbial degradation.

Biodegradation

• Air: Photochemical reactions with 2-5 day half-life
• Water: Complete degradation in 5-10 days by microbial activity
• Soil: Rapid degradation by microbial activity
• Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD): 1.5-1.8 g O₂/g Ethanol
• Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): 2.0-2.2 g O₂/g Ethanol

Waste Management

• Classified as hazardous waste
• Small quantities can be disposed through biological treatment in licensed facilities
• Large quantities should be incinerated in licensed hazardous waste disposal facilities
• Dispose in accordance with local regulations
• Prevent entry into wastewater
• Prevent infiltration into soil and groundwater

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ethanol produced?

Ethanol is primarily produced by two methods: 1) Fermentation of sugar or starch-containing plant materials, 2) Petrochemical production through ethylene hydration. In fermentation, agricultural products like corn, sugarcane, or wheat are used. Industrial-scale continuous distillation processes are applied, with global annual production exceeding 100 million tons.

What is the difference between ethanol and isopropanol?

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a primary alcohol, while isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) is a secondary alcohol. Ethanol has lower toxicity and can be used in food applications. They have similar disinfection efficacy, but ethanol shows broader-spectrum antiviral activity. Isopropanol is absorbed more quickly through the skin and is a stronger solvent.

Does ethanol damage plastics?

Ethanol is a moderately aggressive solvent for most plastics. Polyethylene and polypropylene are resistant to short-term exposure. PVC and polystyrene may swell or dissolve with prolonged contact. PTFE (Teflon) and polycarbonate are resistant to ethanol. The effect increases with higher concentrations (>%70).

What is the shelf life of ethanol?

When stored in tightly closed containers, ethanol has a shelf life of approximately 2 years. It should be protected from moisture to prevent water absorption. Exposure to air can lead to formation of acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Periodic purity checks are recommended for long-term storage.

What should I do if ethanol contacts my skin?

Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash with plenty of water and soap. Prolonged contact may cause dryness and irritation to the skin. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. For eye contact, flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult an eye doctor. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical attention.

What is the most effective disinfectant concentration of ethanol?

Ethanol's antimicrobial activity is maximum in the 60-80% range. The 70% aqueous solution (volume/volume) is the most commonly used disinfectant formulation. At this concentration, protein denaturation and cell membrane penetration are optimal. Pure ethanol (100%) is less effective because it denatures proteins too quickly and cannot penetrate cells.