The formula of ethanol in chemistry is structural. Ethyl alcohol - formula and application

Ethyl alcohol or wine alcohol is a widespread representative of alcohols. Many substances are known that contain oxygen along with carbon and hydrogen. Among the oxygen-containing compounds, I am primarily interested in the class of alcohols.

Ethanol

Physical properties of alcohol . Ethyl alcohol C 2 H 6 O is a colorless liquid with a peculiar odor, lighter than water (specific gravity 0.8), boils at a temperature of 78 °.3, dissolves many inorganic and organic substances well. Rectified alcohol contains 96% ethyl alcohol and 4% water.

The structure of the alcohol molecule .According to the valency of the elements, the formula C 2 H 6 O corresponds to two structures:

Recently, due to the fact that a lot of ethylene is formed during the cracking of oil, steel

The ethylene hydration reaction (in the presence of sulfuric acid) was studied by A. M. Butlerov and V. Goryainov (1873), who also predicted its industrial significance. A method of direct hydration of ethylene by passing it in a mixture with water vapor over solid catalysts has also been developed and introduced into industry. The production of alcohol from ethylene is very economical, since ethylene is part of the cracking gases of oil and other industrial gases and, therefore, is a widely available raw material.

Another method is based on the use of acetylene as the starting product. Acetylene undergoes hydration by the Kucherov reaction, and the resulting acetaldehyde is catalytically reduced with hydrogen in the presence of nickel to ethyl alcohol. The whole process of hydration of acetylene followed by hydrogen reduction on a nickel catalyst to ethanol can be represented by a diagram.

Alcohols are known, the molecules of which include several hydroxyl groups, for example:

Alcohol and alcohol are quite tightly entered into our daily lives. This article will give basic guidelines on how to distinguish methyl from Methyl. Also, their characteristics and chemical formulas will be indicated.

The history of the discovery of alcohol

The formula of alcohol in one form or another was discovered almost simultaneously in many regions of the globe. In 1334, the French alchemist Arnaud de Vilger initially obtained wine spirit. In 1360, Italian and French monasteries produced such a substance called "water of life." Genoese merchants brought alcohol to Moscow in 1386 to demonstrate its qualities.

Definition

Now let's figure out what ethyl and methyl alcohol are.

Remember that if you exceed the norm, then alcohol will become a poison that will harm the organs and even entire systems of your body.

Actually, this is where you can finish the discussion on how to distinguish methyl from ethyl alcohol.

Ethyl alcohol can be recognized by its smell. However, it can be distinguished in this way only from substances that are very distant in structure. As for the compounds of the same group with him, everything is more complicated. But this is 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. It is often referred to simply as alcohol, sometimes the adjectives "ethyl" or "wine" are added, and chemists may 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 much this substance is similar to its closest relative - methanol. The only problem is that the latter is extremely toxic. But more on that later, first you should consider ethanol in more detail.

By the way, there are many similar terms in chemistry, so do not confuse ethyl alcohol, for example, with ethylene. The latter is a colorless combustible gas and does not at all look like a transparent liquid with a characteristic odor. And then there is ethane gas, and its name is also consonant with the name "ethanol". But they are also very different things.

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, clandestine 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 terms of 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. At the same time, the lethal dose of methanol is 30 grams, while in the case of ordinary alcohol, such a volume is completely safe for an adult. That is why, if there is no certainty about the origin of the drink, it is better not to drink it.

Curiously, the antidote for technical alcohol is just pure methanol. So, having noticed signs of acute poisoning, it is necessary to inject a solution of the latter intravenously or take it orally. It is important not to confuse the state of methanol intoxication with the usual strong alcohol intoxication or poisoning. In this case, as well as in case of poisoning with some other substances, in no case should you take additional ethyl alcohol. The cost of a mistake can be very high.

Physical and chemical properties

Ethanol has all the general 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 ° C, and boils at +78 degrees. The density of ethyl alcohol is 0.79. It mixes well with water, glycerin, benzene and many other substances. Easily volatilizes, so store it in a well-sealed container. Itself is an excellent solvent, and also has excellent antiseptic properties. It is highly flammable in both liquid and vapor states.

Ethanol is a psychoactive and narcotic substance that is part of 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 rather arbitrary, since it depends on a large number of factors. For children, 6-30 milliliters is already enough. So ethanol is also quite an 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. Basically, they reflect the methods of obtaining a substance, but often they also talk about various processing methods.

So, the inscription on the package "Rectified ethyl alcohol" indicates that the contents have undergone a special purification from impurities. It is quite difficult to completely clean it, for example, from water, but its presence can be minimized as much as possible.

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

In addition, there are ethyl alcohol medical, technical, food. For each of these varieties, there is a strict standard that provides for 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 remove 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 hydrolytic. In the first case, we are dealing with the fermentation process, in the second, as a rule, chemical reactions are involved using acetylene or ethylene, and the third one speaks for itself. Each of the methods has its pros and cons, difficulties and advantages.

To begin with, consider ethyl alcohol, which is produced only for food purposes. For its production, only the fermentation method is used. During this process, grape sugar breaks 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 sufficiently large number of processing and purification operations.

To obtain technical ethanol, fermentation is impractical, so manufacturers resort to one of two options. The first of them is the sulphate hydration of ethylene. It is performed in several stages, but there is an easier method. The second option is the 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 for obtaining ethyl alcohol from wood. To do this, the raw material is crushed and treated with 2-5% sulfuric acid at a temperature of 100-170 degrees Celsius. This method allows you to get 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 United States, where more and more new plants are being opened that work according to this principle.

Standards

All ethanol that is produced at enterprises must meet certain standards. Each method of obtaining 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 the purpose. Each variety has its own standard.

So, for example, synthetic technical ethyl alcohol - GOST R 51999-2002 - is divided into two grades: first and highest. The obvious difference between them is the volume fraction of ethanol, which is 96% and 96.2%, respectively. In the standard, under this number, both rectified and denatured ethyl alcohol are indicated, 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 such a type as food ethyl alcohol, GOST R 51652-2000 applies to it, and it has as many as 6 varieties: the first (96%), the highest purification (96.2%), "Basis" (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 product brand "Alpha" is produced only from wheat, rye or a mixture thereof.

Until now, many 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 its force, which, however, does not prevent building production in accordance with it until now.

Usage

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

First of all, it is the food industry. A variety of alcoholic beverages - from wines and liqueurs to whiskey, vodka and cognac - contain the mentioned alcohol in their composition. But ethanol itself is not used in its pure form. The technology provides for the laying of raw materials, for example, grape juice and the initiation of the fermentation process, and the output is a finished product.

Another area of ​​wide application is medicine. Ethyl alcohol 95% in this case is used most often, because it has excellent antiseptic properties, and also dissolves many substances, which allows it to be used to make effective tinctures, potions and other preparations. In addition, with various types of external use, it is able to both effectively warm and cool the body. By applying it to the skin, you can quickly bring down the high body temperature by a degree and a half. Conversely, vigorous rubbing will help keep you warm. In addition, when storing anatomical preparations, medical 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 pig, 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. So, rectified ethyl alcohol is unlikely to be used for technical purposes, especially since it is subject to excise tax, which means that its cost is much higher compared to unrefined alcohol. However, pricing will be discussed separately.

Application in new technologies

Increasingly in recent years, talk about the use of ethanol as a fuel. This approach has its opponents and supporters, especially 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 in order to obtain ethyl alcohol. The price of such fuel will definitely be lower than the cost of gasoline. This option removes the dependence of many countries on oil supplies and energy prices, because the production of alcohol can be located anywhere. In addition, it is safer from an environmental point of view. However, one can already notice the use of ethanol in this capacity, but on a much smaller scale. These are spirit lamps - special chemical heaters, home mini-fireplaces, as well as many other appliances.

This can be a really promising line of work in the search for alternative, renewable and fairly cheap energy sources. The problem for Russia here is the mentality. Suffice it to say that alcohol lanterns did not last long in Moscow - the workers who were engaged in their work simply drank raw materials. And even if the fuel contains various impurities, poisoning is unlikely to 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.

Action on the human body

In the SanPin classification, ethanol belongs to class 4, that is, low-hazard substances. By the way, this also includes kerosene, ammonia, methane and some other elements. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take alcohol lightly.

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

At higher doses, alcohol intoxication may occur, which is very different from the picture described earlier. The fact is that ethanol is a narcotic substance, but is not used as such, since effective lulling requires doses that are extremely close to those at which paralysis of vital centers occurs. The state of alcohol intoxication is just the line when a person can die without emergency assistance, which is why it is so important to distinguish this from intoxication. At the same time, something like a coma is observed, breathing is rare and smells of alcohol, the pulse is quickened, the skin is pale and moist, the body temperature is lowered. It is necessary to immediately seek medical help, and also try gastric lavage.

Regular consumption of ethanol can cause addiction - alcoholism. It is characterized by a change and degradation of the personality, various organ systems also suffer, especially the liver. There is even a disease characteristic of alcoholics "with experience" - cirrhosis. In some cases, it even leads to the need for a transplant.

As for external use, ethyl alcohol irritates the skin, while being an effective antiseptic. It also thickens the epidermis, so it is used to treat pressure sores and other injuries.

Implementation and its features

Standards are not the only thing that those who produce ethyl alcohol deal with. The price for different varieties, brands and varieties varies greatly. And this is no accident, because what is intended for human 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, it is also a substance subject to strict accounting. Since ethanol is used in the manufacture of medicines, 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 imperceptibly get at least some amount of a substance for use. Accounting for ethyl alcohol is carried out using a special journal, and violation of procedures is an administrative offense and is punishable by a fine. That the loss will be noticed in the shortest possible time.

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

Alcohol classification

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

monatomic, for example:

diatomic(glycols), for example:

Triatomic, for example:

By the nature of the hydrocarbon radical the following alcohols are distinguished:

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, directly bonded to the carbon atom of the benzene ring, differ significantly in chemical properties from alcohols and therefore stand out in an independent class of organic compounds - phenols.

For example:

There are also polyatomic (polyhydric alcohols) containing more than three hydroxyl groups in the molecule. For example, the simplest six-hydric 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 have an isomerism of the position of the functional group (propanol-1 and propanol-2), and from the fourth - the 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 alcohol, the formula of which is given below:

Name construction order:

1. The carbon chain is numbered from the end to which the -OH group is closer.
2. The main chain contains 7 C atoms, so the corresponding hydrocarbon is heptane.
3. The number of -OH groups is 2, the prefix is ​​"di".
4. Hydroxyl groups are at 2 and 3 carbon atoms, n = 2 and 4.

Name of alcohol: 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 during 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 due 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 the alcohols is methanol, having a relative molecular weight of 32, under normal conditions a liquid.

The lower and middle members of a series of limiting monohydric alcohols containing from 1 to 11 carbon atoms-liquid. Higher alcohols (starting from C12H25OH) solids at room temperature. Lower alcohols have an alcoholic smell and a burning taste, they are highly soluble in water. As the carbon radical increases, the solubility of alcohols in water decreases, and octanol is no longer miscible 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. Hydrogen of the hydroxyl group of alcohol molecules and water molecules can be reduced by alkali and alkaline earth metals (replaced by them)
2. Interaction of alcohols with hydrogen halides. Substitution of a hydroxyl group for 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. So, 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 dehydrating agents to a temperature higher than the intermolecular dehydration temperature. As a result, alkenes are formed. This reaction is due to the presence of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl group at neighboring carbon atoms. An example is the reaction of obtaining ethene (ethylene) by heating ethanol above 140 ° C in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid:
   
6. Alcohol oxidation usually carried out with strong oxidizing agents, for example, potassium dichromate or potassium permanganate in an acidic medium. In this case, the action of the oxidizing agent is directed to the carbon atom that is already associated with the hydroxyl group. Depending on the nature of the alcohol and the reaction conditions, various products can be formed. So, primary alcohols are oxidized first to aldehydes, and then to carboxylic acids:
   When secondary alcohols are oxidized, ketones are formed:
   
   Tertiary alcohols are quite resistant to oxidation. However, under severe conditions (strong oxidizing agent, high temperature), oxidation of tertiary alcohols is possible, which occurs with the breaking 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 ones into ketones:
   
   
8. Qualitative reaction to polyhydric alcohols.
   The presence of several hydroxyl groups simultaneously in an alcohol molecule determines the specific properties of polyhydric alcohols, which are capable of forming bright blue complex compounds soluble in water when interacting with a fresh precipitate of copper (II) hydroxide. For ethylene glycol, you can write:
   
   Monohydric alcohols are not able to enter into this reaction. Therefore, it is a qualitative reaction to polyhydric alcohols.
   

Getting alcohols:

The 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. It burns with a slightly bluish flame. The historical name of methanol - wood alcohol is explained by one of the ways to obtain it by the method of distillation of hardwoods (Greek methy - wine, to 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 the 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. combustible Miscible with water in any ratio. The concentration (strength) of alcohol is usually expressed as a percentage by volume. "Pure" (medical) 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 unfit for drinking, small amounts of difficult-to-separate poisonous, bad-smelling and disgusting-tasting substances are added to it and tinted. Alcohol containing such additives is called denatured, or methylated spirits.

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

Small amounts of ethyl alcohol, when ingested, reduce pain sensitivity and block the processes of inhibition 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 is accelerated, resulting in dehydration of the body.

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

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

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

Ethandiol-1,2(ethylene glycol) is a colorless viscous liquid. Poisonous. Freely soluble in water. Aqueous solutions do not crystallize at temperatures significantly below 0 ° C, which allows it to be used as a component of non-freezing coolants - antifreezes for internal combustion engines.

Prolactriol-1,2,3(glycerin) - a viscous syrupy liquid, sweet in taste. Freely soluble in water. Non-volatile As an integral part of esters, it is part of 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 on tobacco, in which case it acts as a humectant, preventing the tobacco leaves from drying out and crumbling before processing. It is added to adhesives to keep 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.

Each substance has its own temperature at which it passes from a liquid to a solid state.

It is influenced by the chemical properties of the liquid and the level of atmospheric pressure.

General information

Ethyl alcohol is a liquid that is odorless, colorless and tasteless. For the first time, the synthesis of ethyl alcohol (ethanol, ethanol, methylcarbinol, methyl alcohol) occurred in the middle of the 19th century.

The composition of ethanol is reflected in its chemical formula - C 2 H 6 0, the structural formula is CH 3 CH 2 OH. It can be seen from the formula that ethyl alcohol is a monohydric saturated substance and is derived from ethane by replacing one hydrogen atom with an OH hydroxyl group.

In this regard, the chemical properties of ethanol are determined, as well as its ability to react with molecules of other chemicals and elements. When storing anhydrous alcohol, it is worth considering the hygroscopicity of the substance. If the container with the liquid is not sealed enough, then it not only evaporates, but also absorbs moisture from the outside, which lowers the strength of the alcohol.

Since methylcarbinol has a similar structure to water and contains few carbon atoms, it mixes perfectly with H 2 O, regardless of the proportions. This alcohol is also a derivative of substances such as water and ethanol.

Ethyl alcohol is highly flammable (at 13 degrees Celsius) and during combustion forms two substances - H 2 O and carbon dioxide. Explosion thresholds are +11 °С and -41 °С. This substance boils at +78.3 degrees Celsius, and freezing at 117 ° C is below zero. A liquid that contains 40% ethanol freezes at -28 degrees Celsius.

When methylcarbinol is condensed, a substance containing active hydrogen is obtained at the output. The less alcohol a liquid contains, the higher its freezing point.

Alcohol vapors are very toxic to the human body. Sanitary standards allow 1 mg / dm 3 vapor content C 3 H 2 OH in the air.

Raw material requirements

The main task of alcohol producers is the production of high quality ethanol. According to state standards and legislative acts, strict requirements are imposed on the quality of the components of alcoholic beverages.

The main ingredients of alcoholic beverages are water and rectified ethinol, which is obtained in the process of biotechnological processing of agricultural raw materials. The recycling process is a large number of processes that affect the properties of ethanol.

The organoleptic properties of ethanol depend on the following:

• the type and quality of grain used;
• grinding method;
• preparation of raw materials for saccharification;
• dosage and condition of saccharifying materials during hydrolysis;
• adding yeast;
• acidity and duration of the fermentation process;
• the use of antiseptics and disinfectants;
• sanitation in pipelines and other equipment for the production of alcohol.

Agricultural raw materials come from different suppliers to enterprises under contracts. The received grain passes control during which its humidity, percentage of the content of weeds and starch is defined.

At this stage, such criteria as acidity, stickiness, vitreousness, etc. are not taken into account. Strict control over the quality of raw materials is due to its influence on the organoleptic characteristics of ethanol. Poor-quality raw materials, infected with smut, unripe grain or damaged by drying, negatively affect the organoleptic properties of alcohol.

Production technology

To date, there are three technologies for the production of ethanol:

• enzymatic (biochemical);
• chemical;
• synthetic.

In the production of alcohol of the first type, sugar is fermented with the help of enzymes, oils and yeast, that is:

C 6 H 12 O 6 2 C 2 H 5 OH + 2CO 2 +118 kJ.

To obtain alcohol using the second method, technical alcohol is chemically affected by mineral acids at the molecular level.

When using the third method for producing ethanol, water is added to ethylene in a medium with a catalyst, that is:

C 2 H 4 + H 2 O C 2 H 5 OH.

Rectified ethyl alcohol is made only from a food substrate. Mostly cereals, molasses or potatoes are used for this.

The process of making alcohol consists of the following steps:

• preparatory - preparation of malt from refined raw materials;
• the main one is boiling, saccharification, malt fermentation, mash distillation and crude ethanol production;
• final - repeated distillation to purify ethanol from impurities (rectification).

The resulting rectified ethyl alcohol is divided into several types:

• alcohol of the first grade;
• basic;
• extra alcohol;
• luxury alcohol;
• alpha alcohol.

For the manufacture of vodka and other alcoholic beverages, all types of ethanol are used, except for the first.

Storage conditions

Ethyl alcohol is stored in special sealed containers, which are sealed and sealed. It is strictly forbidden to store alcohol in galvanized containers.

The packaged alcohol has a special marking that contains information about the manufacturer, the name of the alcohol, weight, volume, container and lot number.

In addition, information on the flammability of the liquid, the designation of the standard and classification codes are applied to the container. You can store medical alcohol indefinitely.

Application

One way to use purified alcohol is to use it in cars. For car drivers, the temperature at which ethanol freezes is very important in winter.

Another use of ethyl alcohol is the manufacture of vodka. However, this is not pure ethanol, but with an admixture of various organic substances.

Vodka is a water-alcohol mixture, which consists of 40% alcohol and 60% water. The freezing point of vodka is in the range of 25-29 degrees below zero.

This property allows you to check the quality of this alcoholic drink - if the air temperature is above 25 degrees, and the vodka is frozen, then its quality is very doubtful.

Other types

In addition to ethyl alcohol, there are other alcohols that are used in industry and everyday life.

Isoamyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. The boiling point of isoamyl is 132.1. The vapors of this alcohol are poisonous and cause irritation of the mucous membranes, coughing fits and suffocation.

Isopropyl alcohol is a clear liquid that has a pungent odor and a bitter taste. It is used to replace ethyl alcohol in medicine, cosmetics, perfumes, household and automotive chemicals. Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and its fumes are toxic to the human body.

Due to its low freezing point, ethanol is added to a number of products as an antifreeze agent and anti-drying agent, such as antifreeze in aviation.

The freezing point of ethyl alcohol depends on its concentration. The higher the percentage of alcohol in the solution, the lower the temperature at which the liquid crystallizes.

What alcohol is made of, see the following video: