Ethanol is an organic compound with the structural formula CH3CH2OH or C2H5OH and the molecular formula c2h6o, commonly known as alcohol. Under normal temperature and pressure, ethanol is a kind of volatile colorless transparent liquid with low toxicity. Pure liquid cannot be drunk directly. The aqueous solution of ethanol has a wine like smell, slightly irritating and sweet. Ethanol is flammable, and its vapor can form explosive mixture with air. Ethanol is miscible with water in any ratio, chloroform, ether, methanol, acetone and most other organic solvents.
Environmental hazards
Danger: volatile, flammable and irritating. Its vapor is mixed with air to form explosive gas. In case of high heat and open fire, it can burn or explode, and reacts violently with oxidants such as chromic acid, calcium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, silver nitrate, perchlorate, etc., which has the risk of combustion and explosion. In the fire scene, heated containers have explosion risk. Its vapor is heavier than air, and can spread to a considerable distance at a lower place. It will ignite in case of open fire.
Hazard prevention
Engineering control: airtight operation and enhanced ventilation. Respiratory system protection: generally, no special protection is required. Filter gas mask (half mask) can be worn in case of high concentration contact. Eye protection: wear chemical safety glasses. Body protection: wear anti-static adhesive tape anti poison clothing. Hand protection: wear general operation protective gloves (rubber gloves). Other protection: shower and change clothes after work. Keep good hygiene habits.
Melting point |
-114.1 ºC (atmospheric pressure) |
Boiling point |
78.3 ºC (atmospheric pressure) |
Molecular weight |
46.07 |
Density |
0.7893 g/cm ³ (20 ºC) |
Appearance |
Colorless transparent liquid with aromatic smell |
Application |
Chemical industry, medical and health care, food industry, agricultural production, etc |
Solubility |
It is miscible with water and can be miscible with most organic solvents such as ether, chloroform, glycerol and methanol |
Viscosity |
1.074 mPa·s(20 ºC) |