Know the Components of Ethyl Alcohol and Their Applications
Alcohol is most often referred to ethanol in the context of human consumption. All alcoholic beverages contain ethanol as its alcohol content. Among the names alcohol is known are names like ethyl alcohol, drinking alcohol and grain alcohol. The pungent odor, being flammable, colorless and slightly noxious are the common characteristics of ethanol. Through yeast fermentation of sugar, ethanol can be manufactured. Ethanol, being a very good solvent, has made alcoholic beverage companies mix it with essential oils, flavorings and fatty additives. When ethanol is derived from corn or grain, it becomes as an alternative automobile fuel that experts are starting to introduce for use.
Ethanol, as previously mentioned, is commonly known as ethyl alcohol, but is also termed as pure alcohol, grain alcohol and drinking alcohol. One description of this chemical is that it is colorless and the liquid can be dissolved in water. Other identifiable characteristics of this chemical is that it has a slight odor, gives a sweet flavor when diluted, but when undiluted or concentrated, would leave you with a burning aftertaste or a very strong taste.
Know that ethyl alcohol is the alcohol that is found in different alcohol drinks like beer, brandy or whiskey. It is the result when sugar is fermented or there is a chemical breakdown with the aid of yeasts. Out of the plants and grains like corn, wheat and barley, comes ethyl alcohol. When you mill the grains and ferment them with yeast, ethanol is produced.
Where medical field is concern, the uses of alcohol would be as an antiseptic and as a disinfectant. Medical wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizers contain alcohol, and these are used in hospitals and related facilities in order to contain the spread of bacteria. Know that before injections, your skin is sterilized by putting alcohol on your skin. There is also sterilization of various medical equipment before and after use in hospitals and medical clinics.
For the purpose of sanitizing and disinfecting, note that it is isopropyl alcohol you are using. Petroleum and coal are the fossil fuels where isopropyl alcohol comes in the form of propane. When you hear that isopropyl is denatured, it means that there is a toxic substance added to it in order to avoid or minimize consumption. To avoid contaminants on your extracts, it is not recommended to use isopropyl alcohol as a solvent.
You can safely use ethyl alcohol as a solvent in different products such as culinary extracts, essential oils, tinctures, and concentrates.
By using food grade ethyl alcohol, impurities that will contaminate your extracts and tinctures, will be minimized.