Ethanol / C₂H₆O
Gas Identification
Chemical properties
Physical properties
Flammability limit
Threshold limit value
Ethanol : Description and use
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol (or quite simply, alcohol), is a colourless, volatile and flammable liquid which is miscible with water in all proportions. It is a psychoactive drug, and one of the oldest recreational drugs, which comes in the form of alcoholic drinks. Ethanol is used in the agri-food industry (mainly to produce spirits), in perfume making, in galenical pharmacy (as a solvent) and as a biofuel (bioethanol). it is also used in alcohol thermometers.
It is a colourless liquid with a characteristic odour.
Flammability: Ethyl alcohol is a readily flammable liquid which can form an explosive mixture with air. The vapours can spread and cause a flashback. It is therefore important to work away from sources of sparks or flames.
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is mainly used:
- as a raw material in the synthesis of chemical products
- as a solvent in laboratories, and in the following industries: paint, varnish, ink, plastic materials, adhesive, cosmetic, pharmaceutical products
- in the manufacture of cleaning products and insecticides
- as a disinfectant
It is a base component in alcoholic drinks such as: wine and cider (10 to 13%), beer (0.5 to 7%) and spirits (40 to 50%). When it is not used for food and beverage purposes, denaturant substances are added to make it unfit for consumption. These substances include, but are not limited to: methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, heptane or kerosene. Denaturants are governed by a federal law on excise: Denatured Alcohol Regulation (art. 125.1).
Ethanol : Warnings and caution
H225 - Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
P102 - Keep out of reach of children.
P210 - Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking.
P233 - Keep container tightly closed.
P242 - Use only non-sparking tools.
Ethanol : Related products
Aucun produit disponible n'est actuellement lié à la détection de ce gaz.
