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.

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