Ethanol as an Ingredient
Ethanol is a clear, colorless flammable liquid with an agreeable ethereal odor and a burning taste. It is a major ingredient in beer, wine, and spirits (spirits made from grapes), and also in some medicines.
It is widely used as an industrial solvent and in the manufacture of plastics, paints, lacquers, and polishes. It is also a key ingredient in some cosmetics, including scented products like perfumes and aftershaves.
Ethanol Production and Biofuel
In the United States, ethanol is produced primarily from corn grain and sugar cane. However, as demand for ethanol increases, new technology is allowing it to be produced from non-food feedstocks like agricultural and forestry wastes, municipal solid wastes, and industrial wastes.
As a biofuel, ethanol produces less greenhouse gas than gasoline when it is blended into the gasoline supply. The resulting fuel blends are called E10 and E85, depending on the percentage of ethanol in the total volume of gasoline used.
The blending of ethanol into gasoline can be accomplished in several ways, most commonly by truck or rail transportation to a blending terminal. The ethanol is then mixed with gasoline to produce the E10 and E85 blends at the terminals for use in consumer engines.
Ethanol in Various Industries
Ethanol is a powerful solvent that is also used in a wide variety of other industries, including the production of alcohols, dyes, and chemicals. It is an important additive in food and cosmetics, including pharmaceuticals, air fresheners, cleaning products, perfumes, personal care products, and printing inks.
Currently, ethanol is produced primarily from corn, but it can be easily sourced from other biomass resources. For example, a recent study suggests that ethanol can be made from the sugars and starches found in agricultural and forestry wastes. In addition, research is underway to convert cellulosic materials such as wood chips and crop residues into ethanol, which would be a much more environmentally friendly fuel source than ethanol derived from corn.
Health Effects and Metabolism of Ethanol
Ethanol is a chemical substance that is produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates, usually from starchy plants, such as grains or sugar cane. It is the main component of alcoholic drinks, such as beer and wine, and is also found in some medicines and mouthwashes.
Some studies have shown that ethanol can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, especially of the breast, liver, and colon. It is also an addictive drug and may lead to alcoholism if it is abused in large doses.
The body of a healthy adult can handle a small amount of ethanol, but excessive amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, and confusion. Some people can even experience blackouts when overdosing on ethanol.
Ethanol is mainly absorbed through the stomach wall and distributed to blood cells throughout the body. It is metabolized by enzymatic action to acetaldehyde and acetic acid, which are then converted into carbon dioxide and water. The rate of oxidation and distribution of ethanol is proportional to the amount of ethanol in the body, and the average blood level of ethanol follows Michaelis-Menton kinetics.
