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Ethanoldetecting-ethanol

Formula: C2H6O | CAS: 64-17-5

Detecting ethanol: Increasingly being used as a biofuel. Alcohol-based hand gels in the form of liquids, foams and gels can contain up to 95% ethanol.

Detecting Ethanol in everyday consumer products

Ethanol is most commonly used in alcoholic beverages; however, there are many more household and workplace items in which it is used:

  • Manufacture of varnishes
  • Nail polish remover
  • Perfumes
  • Biofuel
  • Gasoline additive
  • Preservative for biochemical samples
  • Medicines
  • Household cleaning products
  • Beauty products
  • Various solvents

Ethanol (ETOH) is added to unleaded gasoline to decrease environmental levels of carbon monoxide from automobiles emissions. Therefore, addition of ETOH in reformulated fuel will most likely increase and the involuntarily human exposure to this chemical will also increase. This preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate the possible neuromotor effects resulting from acute ETOH exposure by inhalation in humans.
– National Library of Medicine

An effective and resourceful ingredient worldwide

Ethanol is primarily produced from the fermentation of starch in corn grain. In the fuel industry, biorefineries use state-of-the-art technologies to convert grains, beverage and food waste, cellulosic biomass and other feedstocks into high-octane ethanol.

Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitisers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitisers in situations where soap and water are not available. Among being used for healthcare, Ethanol also mixes easily with water and many organic compounds, and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish.

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Gas Factsheet

Everything you need to know about detecting ethanol

Our Gas Factsheets which is available to download below provides you with key information on the exposure limits and the locations of where potentially harmful gases can occur. We also share information on gas detection monitoring techniques and equipment that can help you manage gas detection in the workplace, for worker and site safety.

detecting ethanol instrument gas factsheet

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Detecting Ethanol

Formula: C2H6O | CAS: 64-17-5

Synonyms: ethanol, ethyl alcohol, alcohol anhydrous, Algrain, Anhydrol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide, Jaysol, Tecsol, PL-1075 Rinse, ethyl alcohol USP 200 proof (USI), methyl carbinol, grain alcohol, ethylic alcohol, STCC 4909159, UN 1170, OHS08700

Ethanol is the starting point for a wide range of basic chemicals such as acetone, ethyl chloride and ethylene. It is an excellent solvent and fuel.

Specification Value/Information
Formula C2H6O
CAS no. 64-17-5
Gas Response Factor, 11.7 eV 3.00
Gas Response Factor, 10.6 eV 11.00
Gas Response Factor, 10.0 eV ZR
ppm per mg/m⁻³, (20 °C, 1 bar) 0.522
Molecular Weight, g/mole 46.1
Melting point, °C -114
Boiling point, °C 78
Flash point, °C 12
Upper Explosive Limit, % 27.7
Specification Value/Information
Lower Explosive Limit, % 3.1
Density, g.cm⁻³ 0.79
Ionisation Energy, eV 10.47
EH40 TWA, ppm 1000
EH40 TWA, mg.m⁻³ 1920
NIOSH TWA REL, ppm 1000
NIOSH TWA REL, mg.m⁻³ 2900
NIOSH IDLH, ppm 3300
OSHA TWA PEL, ppm 1000
OSHA TWA PEL, mg.m⁻³ 3900

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