Difference between revisions of "Ethanol"

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'''Ethanol''', [[carbon|C]]<sub>2</sub>[[hydrogen|H]]<sub>5</sub>[[oxygen|O]]H, is the most common [[alcohol]]. It is a mild [[depressant]] when ingested, and is a common ingredient in many beverages. Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many [[industry|industries]] and [[food preservation]].
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[[File:Ethanol-2D-flat.svg|thumb|200x200px|Ethanol molecule]]
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'''Ethanol''', also known as '''ethyl alcohol''' or '''grain alcohol''', is the most common [[alcohol]]. Its formula is C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub>OH. It is clear and colorless. Ethanol is useful mixed into gasoline because it has a higher octane number than gasoline, reducing engine knocking.<ref name=":0">[https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ethanol.html “Ethanol.”] n.d. U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center.</ref>
  
==Production==
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Ethanol is an ingredient in many beverages. It is a mild [[depressant]] when ingested.  Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many industries and [[food preservation]].  Ethanol can be produced on Mars using [[In-situ resource utilization|In Situ Resources]].
===Fermentation===
 
Ethanol is easily produced from [[sugars]] by [[yeast]] through [[fermentation]].
 
  
===Artificial Production===
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==[[In-situ resource utilization|In situ Production]]==
[[Ethylene]] is hydrated to produce ethanol.
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[[File:Process-Ethanol.png|thumb|600x600px|Ethanol production Paths]]
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Ethanol is usually produced from [[biomass]]. Most plant material can be transformed to produce Ethanol.<ref name=":0" />
  
==Use==
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===Fermentation===
===Recreation===
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Ethanol is most easily produced from [[sugars]] by [[yeast|yeasts]] through [[fermentation]].
Ingestion of ethanol in [[food]] or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and impares judgement and reduces inhibitions. Managed use of ethanol may be used to raise [[morale]]. Ethanol ingestion will likely be restricted heavily in a [[settlement]] due to the risk to oneself and others.
 
  
===Food Preservation===
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===Industrial Production===
Ethanol is used to preserve [[fruits]] and other foods.
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[[Ethylene]] can be hydrated to produce Ethanol, although the reverse process, Ethylene production from Ethanol by dehydration, may be more common on Mars.  Ethanol may also be produced form CO or CO<sub>2</sub> and Water using a copper catalyst and electrolysis<ref>Ethanol form CO and water https://www.technologyreview.com/2014/04/09/173425/a-less-resource-intensive-way-to-make-ethanol/</ref>.<ref>2020 upgraded process from CO2 https://scitechdaily.com/breakthrough-electrocatalyst-turns-carbon-dioxide-into-ethanol/</ref>
  
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==Uses==
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===Recreation and nutrition===
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Ingestion of excessive ethanol in [[food]] or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and impairs judgement and reduces inhibitions. Managed use of ethanol may be used to raise [[morale]]. Ethanol ingestion may be restricted heavily in a [[settlement]] due to the risk to oneself and others.
 
===Industrial Use===
 
===Industrial Use===
Ethanol is useful as a [[fuel]]. In contrast to most other chemical [[energy]] sources, ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive.
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Ethanol is useful as a [[fuel]]. In contrast to most other chemical [[energy]] sources (or energy vectors, in this case), ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive.
  
 
Ethanol is an effective [[solvent]] for many chemicals.
 
Ethanol is an effective [[solvent]] for many chemicals.
  
[[category:chemistry]]
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===Food Preservation===
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Ethanol is used to preserve [[fruits]] and other foods.
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==References==
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<references />
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[[category:Materials]]

Revision as of 19:58, 25 May 2021

Ethanol molecule

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is the most common alcohol. Its formula is C2H5OH. It is clear and colorless. Ethanol is useful mixed into gasoline because it has a higher octane number than gasoline, reducing engine knocking.[1]

Ethanol is an ingredient in many beverages. It is a mild depressant when ingested. Besides its recreational use, ethanol is important to many industries and food preservation. Ethanol can be produced on Mars using In Situ Resources.

In situ Production

Ethanol production Paths

Ethanol is usually produced from biomass. Most plant material can be transformed to produce Ethanol.[1]

Fermentation

Ethanol is most easily produced from sugars by yeasts through fermentation.

Industrial Production

Ethylene can be hydrated to produce Ethanol, although the reverse process, Ethylene production from Ethanol by dehydration, may be more common on Mars. Ethanol may also be produced form CO or CO2 and Water using a copper catalyst and electrolysis[2].[3]

Uses

Recreation and nutrition

Ingestion of excessive ethanol in food or drink causes intoxication. It is a mild depressant, and impairs judgement and reduces inhibitions. Managed use of ethanol may be used to raise morale. Ethanol ingestion may be restricted heavily in a settlement due to the risk to oneself and others.

Industrial Use

Ethanol is useful as a fuel. In contrast to most other chemical energy sources (or energy vectors, in this case), ethanol is relatively non-toxic and unreactive.

Ethanol is an effective solvent for many chemicals.

Food Preservation

Ethanol is used to preserve fruits and other foods.

References