Ethanol or C2H6O is a colorless, flammable alcohol derived from plant matter, often used as a biofuel or solvent. It is also a common ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
| IUPAC Name | Ethanol |
| Molecular Formula | C2H6O |
| CAS number | 64-17-5 |
| Synonyms | Ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, EtOH, alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2H6O/c1-2-3/h3H,2H2,1H3 |
Ethanol Properties
C2H6O Lewis Structure
The Lewis structure for C2H6O (also known as ethanol) can be drawn as follows:
H H
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H-C-C-O-H
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H H
In this structure, the two carbon atoms are bonded to each other with a single covalent bond. Each carbon atom is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms, and one carbon atom is bonded to an oxygen atom. The oxygen atom is bonded to the carbon atom with a single covalent bond and has two lone pairs of electrons.
This structure satisfies the octet rule, which states that each atom in the molecule should have eight electrons in its valence shell. The carbon atoms have four electrons in their valence shells, while the hydrogen atoms have one electron each. The oxygen atom has six valence electrons, and with two additional lone pairs, it satisfies the octet rule.
C2H6O Molar Mass
Ethanol has a molar mass of approximately 46.07 g/mol. The molar mass of a substance is defined as the mass of one mole of that substance. In the case of ethanol, one mole of ethanol contains approximately 46.07 grams of the substance. The molar mass is a useful parameter in chemical calculations as it allows for the conversion between mass and moles of a substance.
Ethanol Boiling Point
Ethanol has a boiling point of approximately 78.5 °C (173.3 °F) at standard pressure. This relatively low boiling point makes ethanol easy to evaporate, which is useful in many industrial processes. For example, ethanol is commonly used as a solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other chemicals.
Ethanol Melting Point
Ethanol has a melting point of approximately -114.1 °C (-173.4 °F). This low melting point makes ethanol a liquid at room temperature, which is why it is commonly used in liquid form as a solvent or fuel. The melting point of ethanol is lower than that of water, which allows ethanol to be used as an antifreeze in automobile cooling systems.
Ethanol Density g/mL
The density of ethanol is approximately 0.789 g/mL at standard temperature and pressure. This means that one milliliter of ethanol weighs 0.789 grams. The density of ethanol is lower than that of water, which has a density of 1 g/mL at standard temperature and pressure. This means that ethanol will float on top of water.
Ethanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of ethanol is approximately 46.07 g/mol. The molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. In the case of ethanol, it contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The molecular weight is used to calculate the number of moles of a substance in a given mass of the substance.
Ethanol Structure
In the structure of ethanol, two carbon atoms bond to each other with a single bond, and three hydrogen atoms bond to each carbon atom. Additionally, one hydrogen atom is bonded to the oxygen atom. The arrangement of atoms in the molecule is commonly represented as CH3CH2OH.
Ethanol Formula
The chemical formula for ethanol is C2H6O. This formula shows the number and type of atoms in the molecule. The formula can be used to calculate the molecular weight of ethanol, as well as the number of moles of ethanol in a given mass of the substance. The formula is also useful in predicting the chemical behavior of ethanol in reactions with other chemicals.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.789 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 46.07 g/mol |
| Density | 0.789 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -114.1 °C (-173.4 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 78.5 °C (173.3 °F) at standard pressure |
| Flash Point | 13 °C (55 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in polar and nonpolar solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 44.6 kPa at 20 °C |
| Vapour Density | 1.59 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 15.9 at 25 °C |
| pH | 7 (neutral) |
Ethanol Safety and Hazards
Ethanol is a flammable liquid and can present fire and explosion hazards if not handled properly. The vapors of ethanol can also ignite easily and pose a serious fire risk. Ethanol can also be harmful if ingested, and excessive consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning. Inhaling large amounts of ethanol vapors can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. Prolonged exposure to ethanol can also cause skin irritation and dryness. Ethanol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition and incompatible substances. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles, should be used when handling ethanol.
| Hazard Symbols | F, Xi, Flam. Liq. 2 |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking. Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment. Avoid breathing vapor. Wear protective gloves, eye protection. In case of fire: Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam for extinction. Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. |
| UN Ids | UN1170 |
| HS Code | 2207.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Ethanol can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. Prolonged exposure can also cause skin irritation and dryness. Chronic ingestion can lead to alcoholism and other health problems. |
Ethanol Synthesis Methods
Ethanol can be synthesized through a variety of methods, including fermentation, direct hydration of ethylene, and biomass conversion.
Fermentation is the most common method for producing ethanol and involves the conversion of sugars and other carbohydrates to ethanol by microorganisms such as yeast. This process is used to produce ethanol from crops such as corn, barley, and sugarcane, as well as from waste materials such as food waste and agricultural residues.
The direct hydration of ethylene is another method for producing ethanol. In this process, ethylene is reacted with water in the presence of a catalyst such as phosphoric acid to form ethanol. This method is commonly used in industrial settings and is more efficient than fermentation.
Biomass conversion is another method for producing ethanol and involves the conversion of plant matter such as wood chips, grasses, and agricultural residues into ethanol. The process involves breaking down the cellulose and hemicellulose in the plant material into simple sugars that can be fermented into ethanol.
Other methods for producing ethanol include the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide.
Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on factors such as availability of raw materials, cost, and efficiency. Fermentation remains the most widely used method for producing ethanol due to its cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Ethanol Uses
Ethanol has a wide range of industrial, commercial, and personal uses. Some of its common uses include:
- Ethanol increases octane levels and reduces emissions when used as a fuel additive to gasoline.
- Ethanol is a versatile solvent that is commonly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products.
- Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits contain ethanol as their active ingredient.
- Hand sanitizers, surface cleaners, and other cleaning products use ethanol as an effective disinfectant.
- Ethanol serves as a solvent in the extraction of essential oils, flavorings, and other natural compounds.
- Producers use ethanol as a starting material for the production of other chemicals, such as acetic acid and ethylene.
- Personal care products such as perfumes, lotions, and hair care products use ethanol as a preservative and fragrance ingredient.
- Chemical laboratories commonly use ethanol as a solvent and reagent.
- Automotive and other cooling systems can use ethanol as an antifreeze agent.
Questions:
How many atoms make up a molecule of ethanol (C2H6O)?
A molecule of ethanol (C2H6O) is composed of 9 atoms – 2 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom.