CH3CH2OH is commonly called ethanol. It also has several other names, including alcohol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, industrial alcohol, ethyl hydroxide, and methylcarbinol.
Other Names for CH3CH2OH (Ethanol)
Here's a breakdown of some of the common names for CH3CH2OH:
- Ethanol: This is the most scientifically accurate and widely used name.
- Alcohol: This is a general term for a class of organic compounds containing a hydroxyl (-OH) group. Ethanol is the specific alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
- Ethyl Alcohol: This name emphasizes that the alcohol is derived from the ethyl group (CH3CH2-).
- Grain Alcohol: This refers to ethanol produced from the fermentation of grains like corn or wheat.
- Industrial Alcohol: This refers to ethanol produced for industrial uses, often denatured (made unfit for consumption) by adding other substances.
- Ethyl Hydroxide: This name reflects the chemical structure of ethanol, which contains an ethyl group and a hydroxyl group.
- Methylcarbinol: This is an older, less common name that describes ethanol as a derivative of methanol (methyl alcohol).
Properties of Ethanol
Pure ethanol is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid. It is flammable and toxic and has a characteristic pungent taste. Because of its properties, it has numerous applications, including:
- Beverages: As the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic drinks.
- Fuel: As an alternative or additive to gasoline.
- Solvent: For dissolving many organic compounds.
- Antiseptic: For disinfecting and cleaning.
- Chemical feedstock: As a starting material for synthesizing other chemicals.
