Ethanol, a type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic beverages, has a variety of applications beyond just drinking. It is an organic compound characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to a carbon atom in an alkyl group in the hydrocarbon chain. It is widely used as a sweetener and valuable substance in the synthesis of other compounds, including perfumes.

In its physical properties, ethanol is a colorless substance with a sweet smell that is flammable and does not produce smoke when burned. Its synthesis has gained attention for its nontoxic nature and ability to be produced from renewable sources. There are two main methods for synthesizing ethanol: fermentation derived from corn or sugar cane and hydration of petroleum-based ethylene. CO hydrogenation and syngas are also used for synthesizing ethanol.

To measure ethanol concentration, ethanol oxidase or ethanol dehydrogenase may be used, but the presence of various enzymes in the fermentation broth can disrupt results. Two methods for ethanol purification include natural fermentation by-products and purification techniques. Fermentation by-products include esters, organic acid, higher alcohols, starch, and lignin, all of which must be removed to obtain pure ethanol. Distillation is a commonly used purification technique that separates components in a mixture by their volatilities.

New developments in ethanol synthesis and purification include a method for synthesizing ethanol from dimethyl ether using a synergistic effect between zeolite catalyst and metallic catalyst. Purification techniques such as adsorption and ozonation have also been proposed as alternatives to distillation.

Beyond alcoholic beverages, ethanol has numerous applications, including its use as a fuel source and solvent in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and cleaning agents. It is also used as an antiseptic in the medical field and a solvent in DNA extraction.

Alcohol is a component found in organic compounds that consist of one or more hydroxyl groups (-OH) that are linked to the carbon atom of an alkyl group within the hydrocarbon chain. Recent research has focused on the synthesis of ethanol as it is harmless and can be produced from renewable resources. Even though yeast fermentation primarily produces ethanol, it also produces by-products, and the most effective separating technique is distillation. The process and synthesis of ethanol have undergone new developments, and it can now be produced using a renewable fuel source called "biomass," which is made from various plant parts. More than 98% of petrol sold in the United States is mixed with ethanol (10% ethanol, 90% petrol) to reduce air pollution.

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