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