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Ethanol is naturally produced by the fermentation process of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration. Historically it was used as a general anesthetic , and has modern medical applications as an antiseptic , disinfectant , solvent for some medications, and antidote for methanol poisoning and ethylene glycol ...
The dominant ethanol feedstock in warmer regions is sugarcane. [8] In temperate regions, corn or sugar beets are used. [8] [9] In the United States, the main feedstock for the production of ethanol is currently corn. [8] Approximately 2.8 gallons of ethanol are produced from one bushel of corn (0.42 liter per kilogram).
methanol, mainly for the production of formaldehyde and as a fuel additive; ethanol, mainly for alcoholic beverages, fuel additive, solvent, and to sterilize hospital instruments. [26] 1-propanol, 1-butanol, and isobutyl alcohol for use as a solvent and precursor to solvents; C6–C11 alcohols used for plasticizers, e.g. in polyvinylchloride
Methanol is the simpler molecule, and ethanol can be made from methanol. Methanol can be produced industrially from nearly any biomass, including animal waste, or from carbon dioxide and water or steam by first converting the biomass to synthesis gas in a gasifier. It can also be produced in a laboratory using electrolysis or enzymes. [1]
Corn ethanol is ethanol produced from corn biomass and is the main source of ethanol fuel in the United States, mandated to be blended with gasoline in the Renewable Fuel Standard. Corn ethanol is produced by ethanol fermentation and distillation .
Since the 1970s, the U.S. has subsidized ethanol produced from food crops, especially from corn, thus providing a homegrown, alternative fuel source for our automobiles. But for multiple reasons ...
Ethanol is produced naturally as a byproduct of the metabolic processes of yeast and hence is present in any yeast habitat, including even endogenously in humans, but it does not cause raised blood alcohol content as seen in the rare medical condition auto-brewery syndrome (ABS).
Today, ethanol continues to be explored as a sustainable and renewable fuel source, with researchers developing new technologies and biomass sources for its production. [citation needed] 1826: Samuel Morey, an American inventor, was the first to produce ethanol by fermenting corn. However, ethanol was not widely used as a fuel until many years ...