About Ethanol. Ethanol (a.k.a. Ethyl Alcohol, Bio-Ethanol, EtOH) is one of the simplest alcohols with the molecular formula C2H5OH. Alcohol can be found naturally in many sources, as it is the by-product of anaerobic sugar fermentation. Its use has widened and, nowadays, Ethanol is employed worldwide as a versatile chemical building block due to its unique combination of properties. Since Ethanol generates an azeotropic mixture with water at about 96 vol% of Ethanol, there are two primary bulk forms of Ethanol: hydrous grade (about 95 vol% minimum content) and anhydrous grade (99.5 vol% minimum purity). The last one is obtained after a dehydration step of the first.
Although it varies by country, globally, the major portion of Ethanol production is based on the fermentation of biological products, such as starchy grains (e.g., corn, barley, potato, rice, wheat), sugar crops (e.g., sugarcane, sugar beets), fruit crops (e.g., grapes, apples, and plums), and lignocellulosic materials (e.g., wood chips, corn stover, and grasses). A small percentage of Ethanol production, mainly related to industrial applications, is based on catalytic hydration of ethylene. Such Ethanol is usually referred to as “Chemical Ethanol” or “Synthetic Ethanol.” Ethanol trade usually occurs in the spot market, in which the commodity can be purchased for immediate delivery.
Ethanol Handling. Ethanol is transported in railroad cars, drums, usually the unlined iron type, or in smaller metal or glass containers. If more diligent quality is desired, the containers can be lined with phenolic resin. Ethanol 190 proof and above must be labelled with flammable banners.
Ethanol Uses. The main application of Ethanol is as a vehicle fuel, either alone or in gasoline blends. Anhydrous Ethanol is predominantly used in blends while Hydrous Ethanol is also used alone as a fuel. When used in gasoline blends, Ethanol increases the octane number and allows for more complete combustion. Another application of Ethanol is as an industrial solvent, being widely used since it dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds. Ethanol is also used in pharmaceuticals, inks, cosmetics, antiseptics and as a chemical intermediate.
