ALCOHOLS
ALCOHOLS
Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol): The Beverage additive, and in the production of other
Alcohol chemicals. Methanol is often found in
moonshine and illegal alcohol, leading to
History: Ethanol has been produced for serious health consequences. It is also
thousands of years by fermenting sugars produced naturally by some plants and
from fruits, grains, and other sources. animals.
Ancient civilizations in Egypt, Mesopotamia,
and China all had their own brewing and Chemical Properties: Highly flammable,
winemaking traditions. toxic, reacts with strong oxidizers. Physical
Properties: Colorless, volatile liquid, boiling
Trivia: Ethanol is the only alcohol that is point of 64.7°C, slightly sweet odor.
readily absorbed into the bloodstream,
making it the alcohol in beverages. It is also
used as a fuel additive (gasohol), a solvent
in many industries, and as a disinfectant. 3. Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol): The
The legal drinking age in most countries is Rubbing Alcohol
set due to the effects of ethanol on the
developing brain. The "proof" of an alcoholic History: Isopropanol was first synthesized
beverage refers to the percentage of in the 19th century, but its widespread use
ethanol present, with 100 proof meaning as a disinfectant and rubbing alcohol didn't
50% ethanol by volume. begin until the 20th century.
__ vs. ALCOHOL
1. Ester: While esters contribute to 7. Acid Halides: Alcohols can be
fruity and floral aromas, alcohols are converted to acid halides, but they are
essential in the formation of esters through preferred for their stability and versatility in
esterification, playing a crucial role in various applications compared to acid
creating these pleasant scents and flavors. halides.