Properties of Ethanol (C2H6O)
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a type of alcohol that is commonly used in beverages such as alcoholic drinks. It is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or other microorganisms, and it is the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of ethanol properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 46.07 g/mol |
| Density | 789 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 1.149 mPa·s |
| Surface Tension | 22.39 mN/m |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | -114.1 °C |
| Boiling Point | 78.2 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.1694 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αV) | 1.4×10-3 1/°C |
| Vapor Pressure | 5.87 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 243 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 6.38 MPa |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 167 cm3/mol |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 25.3 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.361 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | 13 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 363 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 3.3% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 19% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 3 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.