n.
or ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol
Organic compound, most important of the alcohol s, chemical formula CH 3 CH 2 OH. Produced by fermentation , it is the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic beverage s.
In the U.S., ethanol for industrial purposes is made by chemical synthesis, purified by distillation , and, to avoid the tax levied on ethyl alcohol for drinking, made unfit to drink (see denaturation ) by mixing it with methanol , camphor , benzene , or kerosene . Ethanol has many uses as a solvent, a raw material, an extraction medium, an antifreeze, an antiseptic, and a gasoline additive and substitute. It is toxic, depressing the central nervous system , and addictive to some persons (see alcoholism ). Moderate amounts depress the inhibitory activities of the brain and so appear to stimulate the mind, but larger amounts seriously impair coordination and judgment; excessive consumption can cause coma and death. Taking ethanol in combination with barbiturate s or related drugs is especially dangerous.