Some of the world’s most popular beverages have alcohol as the major active component. Over 35 million liters of beer, wine, and liquor are consumed each year, and the numbers are going up.
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the molecular term for the alcohol we all know and love, but that’s just one of several types of alcohol. What are the other types of alcohol we use every day, and what role do they play in society?
Learn more about the main types of alcohol and how they are used.
1) Ethyl Alcohol
Ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, is the chemical term given to the essence contained in all alcoholic drinks. It is the only form of alcohol that may be consumed without fear of harm. Even though it may be used as a gasoline additive or an industrial solvent, it is most typically used for recreational reasons due to its particular influence on mood and behavior.
Fermentation is the chemical process through which yeast or bacteria transform carbohydrates into ethanol. Barley, wheat, grapes, and other grains and fruits can be used to manufacture ethanol, depending on the type of drink being prepared. Direct consumption of fermented drinks is an option, as is increasing the alcohol content by distillation.
Based on the way they’re made, all ethyl alcoholic beverages may be categorized into two major groups:
a. Undistilled ethanol
Undistilled or fermented alcohol is not purified throughout the fermentation process. Undistilled alcoholic beverages come in many varieties, but beer, wine, and hard cider are the most popular. Flavors can also be affected by slight variations in the region’s soil makeup or weather.
Unless externally altered, fermented drinks do not contain more than 15% alcohol by volume.
While ethyl alcohol plays an important role in society, it’s also important for every individual to learn about alcohol products made with ethyl and their effects to control intake.
b. Distilled ethanol
This is ethanol that has undergone a distillation or purifying procedure. ABV ratios are boosted by doing this. Distillation concentrates the alcohol by removing it from the fermenting brew and passing it through a filter. ABVs for distilled beverages typically vary from 20% to 70%. Even though spirits may be distilled up to 95% ABV, the vast majority of beverages are just 40% ABV or less. Drinks such as vodka, brandy, whisky, tequila, and rum are some of the most popular distilled beverages.
Distilled beverages may need to be mixed with water, soft drinks, or fruit juices to make them more palatable because of their high alcohol level.
The pleasure, enjoyment, greater sociability, and decreased anxiety of drinking any type of ethyl alcohol lead to intoxication. Additionally, drinking impairs memory, cognitive, motor, and sensory abilities.
2) Isopropyl Alcohol
Propylene gas is used to produce isopropyl alcohol. Also known as isopropanol, it has potent disinfectant qualities. Isopropanol is diluted or watered down in rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl Alcohol, a common element in cleaning products, is also used for sterilizing purposes.
The antibacterial characteristics of isopropyl alcohol make it useful in the medical field. When inhaled, it can help alleviate post-operative nausea. In any case, isopropanol remains hazardous if ingested in significant amounts, and it is not safe to consume. It’s possible to get sick from drinking too much isopropyl alcohol.
3) Methyl Alcohol
Methyl alcohol – also called methanol or wood alcohol – is the most often used solvent in manufacturing. Paint removers, anti-freeze, and printing ink are items made with this industrial-strength solvent. Acetone, methane, and formaldehyde are all made from methanol as a basic reactant, making it a widely utilized industrial chemical. From polymers to explosives, these leftovers can then be utilized.
People must take great caution to use and transport methanol. Despite its resemblance to ethanol in its odor and appearance, methanol is far more hazardous because its fumes are very combustible. Ten milliliters can cause irreversible blindness, and 30 milliliters can cause a coma or premature death.
A small amount of methanol is frequently included with industrial ethanol to prevent it from being consumed by humans.
Conclusion
As you can see, alcohol is used for many reasons and plays a huge role in society. It influences the way we eat, drink, treat illnesses, and package products. It always helps to learn more about each type of alcohol before using it, as they do come with some dangerous side effects.
