Get premium membership and access revision papers with marking schemes, video lessons and live classes.
  OR
Processing. Please wait.

 Form 4 Chemistry: Organic Chemistry II Online Lessons

What are the uses of uses of ethanol?

 (5m 7s)
1273 Views     SHARE

Download as pdf file

Answer Text:
Uses of ethanol
1. Used as solvents; in the preparation of drugs, perfumes, liquors, vanish and paints.
2. Source of fuel e.g ethanol when blended with gasoline to form gasohol.
Note:
- Addition of ethanol to petrol improves the antiknock propertied of petrol, due to its low ignition point;
- The alkanol also absorbs any traces of moisture that may enter and damage the petrol system;
- Alkanols also ignite on their own to liberate heat;
Example:
CH3CH2OH(l)+3O2(g)2CO2(g)+3H2O(l)ΔH=-1368KjMol-
3. Starting material for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (P.V.C)
4. Ethanol is used as a disinfectant (antiseptic) at special concentrations e.g for cleaning tissues and surgical equipments during operations and in dressing wounds;
5. Manufacture of alkanoic acids e.g ethanoic acid
6. Ethanol is used as thermometer liquid for measuring low temperatures;
7. Manufacture of alcoholic drinks
8. Large amounts of methanol are used in the manufacture of formaldehyde a chemical used in preservation of corpses;
9. They are used as antifreeze mixtures in car radiators e.g a mixture of ethanol and water freezes at lower temperatures that pure water;
10. Manufacture of esters to giver fruity flavourings for confectionery and drinks;


|