Ethanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. Its common names include ethyl alcohol and grain alcohol. The latter term reflects one method by which the compound can be produced: the distillation of corn, sugar cane, wheat and other grains. Ethanol is the primary component in many alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, vodka, gin, and whiskey. Many scientists believe that ethanol can and should be more widely used in automotive fuels. When mixed in a one to nine ratio with gasoline, it is sold as gasohol. The reduced costs of producing gasohol have only recently made it a viable economic alternative to other automotive fuels.

See Also

Alternative Fuels