Alcohol is an organic compound formed by one or more oxidryl (OH) groups attached to saturated carbon atoms. The most common alcohols in our daily lives are methanol and ethanol, being used as fuels and chemical reagents. Fuel ethanol is obtained mainly through the fermentation of sugarcane.
The process used during the production of alcohol can generate substances with a higher or lower concentration content. Simple or fractional distillation of ethanol and water results in a maximum concentration of 95%.
Absolute alcohol, also called pure alcohol, comes from the distillation of ethanol and treatment with benzene, a fact that provides a highly concentrated substance: 100% or close to it. This substance is colorless and its physical state is liquid.
This product is highly flammable and, if spilled on the ground, may cause groundwater contamination. Absolute alcohol must be out of reach of children, and the proper form of storage is in grounded metallic tanks protected against atmospheric discharges.
Due to its high concentration, absolute alcohol has a much higher commercial value than common alcohol. Its use is restricted, being used in the preparation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulas.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
Biofuels - Fuels - geography - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/geografia/alcool-absoluto.htm