11.6.8

Uses of Ethanol - Solvent & Fuel

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Uses of Ethanol - Solvent and Fuel

Ethanol is a versatile chemical that serves as a solvent for various substances and a clean, renewable fuel. Its dual uses are vital in chemistry and green energy.

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Ethanol as a solvent

  • Ethanol dissolves many substances, helping mix ingredients.
    • It can dissolve oils, resins, and medicines.
  • Chemists use ethanol as a solvent in laboratory experiments.
  • Ethanol evaporates quickly, leaving no residue.
    • People use ethanol-based hand sanitizers for cleaning.
Illustrative background for Ethanol as a fuelIllustrative background for Ethanol as a fuel ?? "content

Ethanol as a fuel

  • Ethanol burns with a clean flame, making it a useful fuel.
    • Since the 1900s, cars have used ethanol blends in petrol.
  • Ethanol is renewable, made by fermenting sugars from plants.
    • Using ethanol fuel reduces pollution compared to fossil fuels.
    • Some countries use mostly ethanol fuel in vehicles to cut carbon.
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Summary of ethanol uses

  • Ethanol dissolves a range of substances as a solvent in labs and products.
  • Ethanol burns cleanly and is a renewable fuel for vehicles.
  • Ethanol's dual uses make it a vital chemical in organic chemistry applications.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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