Buy Ethanol

Why Ethanol?

       Whether one knows it or not, ethanol is part of many substances that are found in many household items. For example, ethanol is the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages, and is also found in disinfectants, paints, deodorants, perfumes and markers. Ethanol's physical properties are responsible for its popularity when developing products. Ethanol's polar nature enables it to dissolve in water, and can be used as a general purpose solvent. Its miscibility is why ethanol is found in the substances listed above. It can also be used as an ingredient when cooking, i.e Vodka Sauce.

       Another reason why ethanol is valuable is because of its current use as a motor fuel. Henry Ford actually used ethanol to power the first engine of his revolutionary Model T. Today, there is much debate regarding the use of ethanol as an alternate fuel because its physical properties allow it to burn cleaner than gasoline and it is a renewable resource. If mankind is able to develop efficient ways of producing and distributing ethanol, then humanity as a whole will be able to take a large step in regards to preserving our planet for future generations. 

Intermolecular Forces

In a hypothetical situation, if one molecule of ethanol was attracted to another molecule of ethanol, what intermolecular forces would act on it?

 If two ethanol molecules were ever attracted to one another, dispersion forces, dipole dipole, and hydrogen bonding would all be present. This is because:

• Dispersion forces act on all molecules. Dispersion forces occurs when an uneven distribution of electrons, caused by their movement around the molecule results in a temporary dipole.
• Dipole dipole occurs when there is a electrostatic attraction between the positively charged end of one molecule (Hydrogen) and the negatively charged end of another (Oxygen). This force is denoted by the dotted line.
• Hydrogen bonding is a special type of Dipole dipole where a temporary covalent bond is formed between a Hydrogen atom and in this case, an Oxygen atom. This force is denoted by the dark line next to the dotted line. 

Polarity

The Hydrogen atoms give off a positive charge, while the unshared electrons of the Oxygen atom give off a negative charge, thus making the molecule polar. 

Nature of the Bonds

Electronegativity values of atoms involved:

C - 2.5
H - 2.2
O - 3.5

The difference between the Carbon and Hydrogen values is 0.3, which means that the bond between those atoms is very covalent.

The difference between the Carbon and Oxygen values is 1, which means that the bond between those atoms is  moderately covalent.

The difference between the Hydrogen and Oxygen values is 1.3, which means that the bond between those atoms is slightly covalent.

3D Structure of Ethanol

 Ethanol - C2H6O

Shape- AX Linear

Key

Black - Carbon

Red - Oxygen

Grey - Hydrogen