Ethanol Anhydrous ethanol 95 ethanol

• Alcoholic beverages:

One of ethanol's oldest applications lies in the production of various alcoholic drinks. The primary intoxicating component in beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits is indeed ethanol. Moderate consumption may stimulate the central nervous system, inducing relaxation or euphoria; however, excessive intake causes severe bodily harm, particularly long-term adverse effects on the liver (e.g., fatty liver disease, cirrhosis) and nervous system (e.g., cognitive decline, addiction).

• Disinfectant:

Ethanol ranks among the most widely used skin and surface disinfectants. Its optimal bactericidal concentration is 70%–75% (by volume). Excessively high concentrations (e.g., 95% ethanol) cause rapid coagulation of proteins on bacterial surfaces, forming a protective layer that impedes further ethanol penetration and paradoxically reduces disinfection efficacy. Appropriately diluted ethanol, however, effectively penetrates microbial cells, denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes to achieve highly efficient sterilisation.

• Solvent:

As a vital organic solvent, ethanol finds extensive application in industry, research, and daily life. Its excellent solubility and volatility make it commonly used in manufacturing paints, inks, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations (such as tinctures and extracts), proving particularly crucial in pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

• Fuel:

Ethanol serves as a clean, renewable energy source suitable for use as fuel. Blending fuel ethanol with petrol creates ‘ethanol petrol’ (e.g., E10 containing 10% ethanol), helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels while lowering emissions of harmful exhaust gases like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Additionally, ethanol can be directly used as fuel for spirit stoves, spirit lamps, or portable burners, producing primarily carbon dioxide and water upon combustion, making it relatively environmentally friendly.

• Chemical Feedstock:

Ethanol serves as a vital basic chemical feedstock. Through oxidation, dehydration, esterification and other reactions, it can be converted into numerous chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acetic acid (vinegar acid), ethyl acetate and ethylene. These derivatives find extensive application in plastics, synthetic fibres, fragrances, solvents and pesticides, forming a crucial chain in modern chemical industries.

• Household products:

Ethanol is prevalent in numerous everyday items, including hand sanitiser, multi-purpose cleaners, antifreeze, and electronic device screen wipes. Its bactericidal properties combined with rapid evaporation without residue make it particularly suitable for scenarios requiring both thorough cleaning and immediate drying.