The basic process of making Ethanol involves conversion of starch, which is present in high concentration in the grain or seed of the agricultural crops like Corn, Barley and Wheat. The starch is converted into sugar by using enzymes and by fermentation of sugar through yeast. During this process the yeast converts the sugar to Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide. The other part, which is left over after the formation of Ethanol, is used to make other products. Fermenting and distilling starch crops that have been converted into sugar produce Ethanol. Ethanol is prepared by 95% Alcohol and 5% Water.
What is Ethanol Used For?
Ethanol has many purposes around the world which are written below:
In the manufacture of Alcoholic Drinks.
Widely used as a solvent for making varnishes and perfumes.
Also used in preparation of essences and flavorings.
Commonly used in Medicines and Drugs.
Also used as Antiseptic Medicine.
At the same time used for solvent in paint.
Manufacture of Acetaldehyde and Acetic Acid.
In the fluid of Thermometer.
Preserving Biological Specimens.
Used as an Alternative Fuel. It was quite greatly used in the 1880’s when Henry Ford build a vehicle, which could run on Ethanol. Also many cars have been made in Brazil where most of the cars run on Ethanol because the government as an excess amount of sugar can which can be converted into Ethanol.
The Chemical Equation for the Combustion of Ethanol
The chemical equation for the combustion of Ethanol is:
C2H50H+02---->>>CO2+H2O+Energy
When one mole of Ethanol is burned or heated it releases 1409.4 kilojoules of heat.
Impact of Ethanol on Society
Ethanol has equally both Advantages & Disadvantages, which are written below:
Conclusion
Ethanol is a good alternative way of solving the problem worldwide like greenhouse effect and etc but still it is still not too good for the environment. The way to reduce its impact on the society is by first solving the problem of air pollution and to use Alternative Fuels like Electric Cars, Solar Powered Cars or Hydrogen or Pure Water, which produce no emissions and are available in plenty around the world. The fossil fuels, which are used right now around the world, produce a lot of harmful emissions when they are burnt in the combustion engine or chamber.
