About Ethanol. Ethanol (a.k.a. Ethyl Alcohol, Bio-Ethanol, EtOH) is one of the simplest alcohols with the molecular formula C2H5OH. It is a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid, soluble in water and in most organic compounds. The alcohol can be found naturally in many sources, as it is the by-product of anaerobic sugar fermentation. Ethanol is considered to be one of the oldest human food products, since fermented beer was consumed as early as 3000 B.C. Its use has widened in modern times, being the first used fuel in 1850, and currently ethanol can be employed as a versatile chemical building block due to its unique combination of properties.

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 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.

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.