Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is one of the most widely used alcohol compounds and is found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. Ethanol has various industrial applications, including as a solvent in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemical manufacturing. It is also used as a biofuel additive, particularly in the production of ethanol-blended gasoline. Ethanol has a long history of human consumption for its psychoactive effects, and its production through fermentation of sugars from various sources makes it a key player in both recreational and industrial contexts.
