The compound identified by CAS: 67 - 56 - 1 is ethanol, a well - known and widely used chemical. As a trusted supplier of this compound, I am delighted to share comprehensive insights into its chemical properties, and provide useful information for industries and professionals in need.
Molecular Structure and Basic Information
Ethanol has the chemical formula (C_{2}H_{5}OH), and its molecular weight is approximately 46.07 g/mol. Its structure consists of an ethyl group ((C_{2}H_{5}-)) attached to a hydroxyl group ((-OH)). This simple yet distinctive structure contributes to its extensive reactivity and wide - ranging applications.
Physical and Chemical States
Under standard conditions of temperature (25 °C) and pressure (1 atm), ethanol exists as a clear, colorless liquid. It has a characteristic, pleasant odor and is volatile, with a boiling point of 78.37 °C and a melting point of - 114.14 °C. These physical properties are crucial as they determine how ethanol behaves in various industrial and laboratory settings.
Solubility
One of the most significant chemical properties of ethanol is its solubility. Ethanol is miscible with water in all proportions. This is due to the ability of the hydroxyl group in ethanol to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The hydrogen bonds between the oxygen atom in the ethanol's hydroxyl group and the hydrogen atoms in water, as well as between the hydrogen atom in ethanol's hydroxyl group and the oxygen atom in water, enable the two substances to mix uniformly.
Moreover, ethanol is a good solvent for many organic compounds. It can dissolve non - polar substances such as oils, fats, and certain hydrocarbons to some extent, as well as polar substances. This dual - solvent nature makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, including the extraction of natural products, formulation of pharmaceuticals, and as a solvent in the paint and coating industries. You can find high - quality ethanol for industrial and laboratory use at Absolute Ethanol – Premium Anhydrous Ethanol For Industrial And Laboratory Use.
Reactivity
Combustion
Ethanol is a highly flammable compound. When it reacts with oxygen in the air under the right conditions (ignition), it undergoes combustion, releasing a large amount of heat energy. The combustion reaction of ethanol can be represented by the following chemical equation:
(C_{2}H_{5}OH+ 3O_{2}\rightarrow2CO_{2}+3H_{2}O)
This property makes ethanol a valuable fuel source. It is used as a biofuel, either on its own or blended with gasoline, to power vehicles. In the laboratory, the heat released during ethanol combustion can be used for heating purposes, such as in alcohol burners.
Acid - Base Reactions
Ethanol is a very weak acid. The hydrogen atom in the hydroxyl group can be donated under certain circumstances, but its acidity is much lower compared to common acids like hydrochloric acid or acetic acid. When ethanol reacts with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide ((NaOH)), it forms an alkoxide salt and water:
(C_{2}H_{5}OH + NaOH\rightarrow C_{2}H_{5}ONa+H_{2}O)
Alkoxides are important intermediates in organic synthesis, used in reactions such as the Williamson ether synthesis.
Esterification
Ethanol can react with carboxylic acids in the presence of an acid catalyst (usually concentrated sulfuric acid) to form esters. This reaction is known as esterification. For example, when ethanol reacts with acetic acid, ethyl acetate is produced:
(C_{2}H_{5}OH+CH_{3}COOH\rightleftharpoons CH_{3}COOC_{2}H_{5}+H_{2}O)
Esters have pleasant odors and are widely used in the fragrance and flavor industries. They are also important solvents and plasticizers.
Dehydration
When ethanol is heated with concentrated sulfuric acid or other dehydrating agents, it can undergo dehydration reactions. At lower temperatures (around 140 °C), two ethanol molecules can react to form diethyl ether:
(2C_{2}H_{5}OH\xrightarrow{H_{2}SO_{4},140^{\circ}C}C_{2}H_{5}OC_{2}H_{5}+H_{2}O)
At higher temperatures (around 170 °C), ethanol undergoes intramolecular dehydration to form ethylene:
(C_{2}H_{5}OH\xrightarrow{H_{2}SO_{4},170^{\circ}C}C_{2}H_{4}+H_{2}O)
Ethylene is a crucial industrial chemical used in the production of many plastics, such as polyethylene.
Oxidation
Ethanol can be oxidized by various oxidizing agents. When ethanol is oxidized by a mild oxidizing agent, such as potassium dichromate ((K_{2}Cr_{2}O_{7})) in acidic solution, it is first converted to acetaldehyde ((CH_{3}CHO)):
(3C_{2}H_{5}OH + K_{2}Cr_{2}O_{7}+4H_{2}SO_{4}\rightarrow3CH_{3}CHO + Cr_{2}(SO_{4}){3}+K{2}SO_{4}+7H_{2}O)
With a stronger oxidizing agent or under more vigorous conditions, acetaldehyde can be further oxidized to acetic acid ((CH_{3}COOH)):
(2CH_{3}CHO+O_{2}\rightarrow2CH_{3}COOH)
This oxidation process is the basis for the production of vinegar, where ethanol in wine or other alcoholic beverages is oxidized by acetic acid bacteria.
Applications Based on Chemical Properties
The diverse chemical properties of ethanol make it suitable for a wide range of applications. In the pharmaceutical industry, its solubility and low toxicity make it an ideal solvent for drugs and active ingredients. It is also used in the production of disinfectants, as it can denature proteins and disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms, effectively killing bacteria and viruses.
In the industrial sector, ethanol is used as a raw material for the synthesis of many chemicals, such as ethylene, acetaldehyde, and esters. It is also a key component in the production of biofuels, which are more environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. For those in need of high - quality ethanol for global industries, Absolute Ethanol – Trusted Ethanol Solvent For Global Industries offers a reliable solution.
Our Role as a Supplier
As a supplier of CAS: 67 - 56 - 1 (ethanol), we understand the importance of providing a high - quality product that meets the strict requirements of different industries. We source our ethanol from reliable manufacturers and ensure that it undergoes rigorous quality control checks. Our product is available in different grades, including anhydrous ethanol, which is used in applications where the presence of water can be a problem.
We also provide excellent customer service, offering technical support and guidance on the proper use and handling of ethanol. Whether you are in the pharmaceutical, chemical, or biofuel industry, we can provide you with the right quantity and quality of ethanol to meet your needs. If you are also interested in other high - quality alcohol products, you can explore Premium Dual‑Use 1,4‑BDO For Pharma & Industry Markets.
Conclusion
Ethanol, identified by CAS: 67 - 56 - 1, is an incredibly versatile compound with a rich set of chemical properties. Its solubility, reactivity, and oxidation characteristics contribute to its widespread use in numerous industries. As a supplier, we are committed to providing top - notch ethanol products and services. If you are interested in purchasing ethanol or have any questions regarding its chemical properties and applications, please feel free to contact us for further discussions and procurement negotiations.
References
- Atkins, P., & de Paula, J. (2014). Physical Chemistry. Oxford University Press.
- McMurry, J. (2015). Organic Chemistry. Cengage Learning.
- Wade, L. G. (2013). Organic Chemistry. Pearson Education.