Ethanol is a clear, colorless and flammable liquid. Other names by which ethanol may also be known include ethyl alcohol, ethyl hydrate, ethyl hydroxide, fermentation alcohol, methylcarbinol, and grain alcohol. The condensed structural formula of ethanol is C2H5OH, and the structural structural formula is shown in Figure 1. This chemical compound belongs to the alcohol functional group therefore characterized by the hydroxyl group –OH associated with a carbon atom. Some characteristics of ethanol include a melting point of -114.1°C, a boiling point of 78.5°C, and a flash point of 16.6°C. Its freezing point being low, it is used in thermometers for temperatures below -40°C, as well as in antifreeze. Ethanol is the product of the fermentation of carbohydrates in the absence of air. Carbohydrates include crops like corn, wheat, cereals and barley, making ethanol very economical. This chemical compound is used in many processes and is found in many everyday products. Before we talk about the functions of ethanol and its many uses, one should know the dangers of ethanol and safety issues. Ethyl alcohol, like other chemical compounds, can damage many body systems if not used correctly. This can cause “painful sensitization to light” (Fisher Scientific, 2001) and cause corneal damage. In addition to eye damage, ethanol can cause cyanosis, which is when the skin turns a bluish color. One of the most important rules about using chemicals is to never eat or drink them. Ingestion of ethanol can cause central nervous system depression, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Heavy consumption of ethanol can even lead to loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Not only does ethanol consumption seriously damage the body...... middle of paper ......le.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CGkQFjAG&url= http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scifun.org%2Fchemweek%2Fpdf%2Fethanol.pdf&ei=isHIUum9HdLisASR1YDoDA&usg=AFQjCNGotc6zhXGkG5tJ7Npwn98RS9rFZg&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cWcUniversity of Illinois Extension. (2014). Ethanol: what is it? Retrieved from http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ethanol/default.cfmUniversity of Illnois Extension. (2014). Biofuels and the consumer what are biofuels? Retrieved from http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ethanol/consumer.cfmUniversity of Illnois Extension. (2014). Use of ethanol in motor vehicles. Retrieved from http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ethanol/vehicles.cfmU.S. National Library of Medicine, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and National Institutes of Health. (2013). Skin discoloration - bluish. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003215.htm