Renewable Sources of Energy Ethanol Essay - 1055 Words

Ethanol is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid. Other names that ethanol can also be known as include ethyl alcohol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide, fermentation alcohol, methylcarbinol, and grain alcohol. The condensed structural formula for ethanol is C2H5OH, and the expanded structural formula is shown in figure 1. This chemical compound belongs to the alcohol function group therefore characterized by the hydroxyl group –OH combined with a carbon atom. Some characteristics of ethanol include a melting point at -114.1 °C, boiling point at 78.5 °C and a flash point at 16.6 °C. Since it has a low freezing point it is used in thermometer for temperatures below -40 °C, and also in antifreeze. Ethanol is the product of fermentation of†¦show more content†¦Besides the conditions stated above, prolonged exposure to ethanol may cause damage to liver, kidney, heart, brain and reproductive system. As seen, ethanol has harmful effects to the body when not used in the correct way and for the right reasons. However, as long as people follow the safety procedures when using ethanol, there are many benefits to this renewable chemical compound. Ethanol is involved in many chemical processes. The combustion of ethanol produces carbon dioxide and steam. When ethanol is oxidized with acidified Potassium Dichromate, it produces ethanal, which is an acetaldehyde, and water. Then if ethanol is oxidized the product is ethanoic acid, which belongs to the functional group of acetic acid. At room temperature sodium can react with ethanol to sodium ethoxide. In this process the hydrogen atom is replaced by a Na atom. When evolved in reactions, ethanol can produce different kinds of chemical compounds. Known as grain alcohol, ethanol is produced by crops, especially corn, since there is an abundant amount of corn in the United States. With this resource, the U.S. can become less dependent on foreign source of energy. Ethanol is also known as the most common biofuel. A biofuel is fuel made from renewable resources; in this case ethanol is made from the renewable resource of corn. Grain alcohol can be blended with gasoline and be used to power automobiles. About 70 percent ofShow MoreRelated The Pros and Cons of Ethanol as a Renewable Source of Energy5374 Words   |  22 PagesI. Introduction One of the most hotly contested debates in today’s realm of environmental concern is how to secure energy for the maintenance and improvement of quality of life in the future. To date, humanity has been blessed with plentiful reserves of cheap crude oil, which can be refined into a multitude of items that make the lives of many so convenient—gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, plastics, and fertilizers. 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