What are the uses of ethanol?

Ethanol is used on an extensive basis in the role of a solvent. It is used primarily to make products such as perfumes and varnishes. It can also be used to preserve biological species. It can be used to prepare the likes of flavourings and essences. In the world of drugs and medicines, it is used as a disinfectant. It is used in a similar capacity when it comes to tinctures such as tincture iodine. It is also used as an additive to the likes of gasoline and fuel. Many cars made in the United States of America (USA) during the latter part of the 1990s were equipped in such a way that they could run on either gasoline or E85.

Usage in fuel

E85 is a mixture where 85 percent is made up of ethanol and the rest is made up of gasoline. The thing with this product is that it is not available on such a widespread basis. This product can also be described as a form of alcohol to which nauseating and poisonous substances have been added so that it cannot be used as a beverage. This also means that it cannot be taxed like alcohol. This is when we are looking at from a denatured and industrial point of view.

Usage in medicines and drugs

This is perhaps the reason why ethanol does not cost you much as such. From a medical point of view, it is a soporific commodity. This means that it is capable of inducing sleep. However, it also needs to be mentioned over here that compared to other forms of alcohol it is a lot less poisonous. For example, if you have more than 5 percent of this product in your bloodstream you die. In the case of lower concentrations, you suffer from issues such as changes in your behaviour, unconsciousness, and impairment of vision.

Usage in cosmetic products

As has been said already, ethanol is used rather commonly in a lot of beauty and cosmetic products. This is because in this context it plays the role of an astringent that can clean your skin. It is also used in lotions where it acts as a preservative. This makes sure that the ingredients that make up the lotion do not get separated from each other. It is also used in hairsprays. Here it makes sure that the spray sticks to your hair.

The thing with ethanol is that it is highly effective when it comes to killing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This is the reason why it is used so commonly in case of products such as hand sanitizers. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that you use hand sanitizers in cases where you are not getting water and soap.

Conclusion

Yet another great feature of this product is that it is easily soluble in water. It also mixes well with many other organic compounds. This is the reason why it is used widely in household products as well.