Ethanol (alcohol)

Ethanol is an alcohol that is contained in alcoholic beverages and is also used as a fuel. It is produced both biologically by fermentation and synthetically from ethene and is used as a fuel component and in industry as a solvent, cleaning agent and disinfectant.

Definition of ethanol
Ethanol, an organic alcohol, is a chemical compound with a boiling point of around 78°C. It is important in the energy supply as a fuel and is produced both biologically and synthetically.

Background / Origin
Ethanol is produced by alcoholic fermentation of biomass such as sugar beet, potatoes and grain. This method is used in particular for the production of bioethanol. In addition, ethanol is industrially synthesized from ethene, a basic organic chemical. This synthesis is carried out by reacting ethene and water.

Ethene can be obtained from various hydrocarbons such as naphtha or gas oil and is also used in the production of plastics. The development of ethanol as an energy source and biochemical raw material has become increasingly important in the context of rising demand for renewable energies and sustainable raw materials.

Properties
Ethanol has specific physical characteristics. Its calorific value is around 7.4 kWh/kg or 5.9 kWh/l. This is around 40% lower than heating oil and around 35% lower than petrol. The boiling point of ethanol is around 78°C.

The chemical structure of ethanol makes it an effective cleaning agent and disinfectant. Ethanol is also available denatured, which makes it suitable as a fuel for camping stoves and ethanol stoves.

Application and importance in the market
Ethanol is often used as a fuel component in the form of blends with gasoline. One example is E10, consisting of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline by volume. In addition, fuels containing ethanol are marketed by the Mabanaft Group and its subsidiaries, such as Mabanaft Deutschland and Mabanaft Limited, UK. In the retail sector, ethanol fuels are particularly available through OIL! service stations.

Ethanol plays an important role on the international market, both in the renewable energy sector and in the chemical industry as a versatile solvent and cleaning agent.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Bioethanol: Specific form of ethanol produced by the fermentation of biomass.
- Petrol: Gasoline that is primarily made from fossil fuels and has a higher calorific value than ethanol.
- Ethene: Starting material for the synthetic production of ethanol, is itself an important chemical raw material for plastics.

Summary
Ethanol is a versatile alcohol that is used both in alcoholic beverages and as a fuel. It is produced both biologically by fermentation and synthetically from ethene. With a calorific value that is lower than that of heating oil and petrol, ethanol plays a relevant role as a fuel component, particularly in the form of E10. It is available on the market via various dealers and filling station chains. Ethanol has also established itself as an effective solvent and disinfectant.