Uses

Ethanol Uses

Ethanol is a versatile chemical widely used in various industries, with major applications as a biofuel, solvent, disinfectant, and a key ingredient in beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, food, and industrial processes[1].

Major uses of ethanol include:

  • Fuel: Ethanol is commonly blended with gasoline as a renewable biofuel to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels[1]. Countries like Brazil utilize ethanol from sugarcane as a significant energy source[1].
  • Beverages: Ethanol is the fundamental intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits[2].
  • Solvent: It serves as a universal solvent for many organic compounds, extensively used in the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, paints, coatings, inks, and adhesives[2][3][4].
  • Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Ethanol acts as a disinfectant, antiseptic (in hand sanitizers and wipes), solvent for medications, preservative, and sedative in various pharmaceutical products[5].
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics: It is used as a carrier and preservative in products like perfumes, deodorants, lotions, aftershaves, facial toners, and mouthwashes[5][7].
  • Food Industry: Ethanol is a solvent in flavor extracts (e.g., vanilla) and colorants, and is also used as a preservative to extend shelf life[5][7].
  • Industrial and Chemical Manufacturing: Industrial-grade ethanol is an essential solvent for paints, varnishes, adhesives, inks, degreasers, and cleaning agents[4][8]. It is also a precursor for synthesizing chemicals like acetic acid and ethyl acetate[6].
  • Laboratory and Technical Applications: Ethanol is involved in DNA and RNA purification, botanical extractions, and as a coolant for laboratory equipment due to its low freezing point[6].

References

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