Study notes on "ETHANOL"

ETHANOL (CH₃CH₂OH or C₂H₅OH)

Physical properties 

• It is liquid at room temperature.
• It is colourless and has distinct smell and burning taste.
• It is soluble in water in all proportions.

Chemical properties

It reacts with sodium to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.

• 2CH₃CH₂OH + 2Na  => 2CH₃CH₂ONa + H₂

It reacts with hot concentrated H₂SO₄ to give ethene.

• CH₃CH₂OH + H₂SO₄ =>  CH₂=CH₂ + H₂O

USES

• It is used in all alcoholic drinks like wine, beer, etc.
• In the form of rectified spirit (95% alcohol + 5% water), it is used as an antiseptic for wounds.
• It is used in medicines like tincture iodine, cough syrups, tonics etc because it is a good solvent.
• In cold countries it is used as antifreeze in automobiles.

Harmful effects of ethanol

• Consumption of its small quantity causes drunkenness. 
• It depresses the central nervous system which results in mental confusion and drowsiness.
• It damages liver and kidney.
• It decreases the sense of judgment and sense of timing.
• It increases crime in the society.

Denatured alcohol : To prevent the misuse of ethanol produced for industrial use, it is made unfit for drinking by adding poisonous substances like methanol, copper sulphate, etc. it is called denatured alcohol.