Absolute alcohol, also known as anhydrous alcohol or pure alcohol, refers to the substance that contains a maximum concentration of alcohol, typically ethanol (C2H5OH), with no water or other impurities present. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that is highly flammable.
The term "absolute" denotes that the alcohol has undergone a process of distillation to remove as much water as possible, resulting in a solution containing 99.9% to 100% alcohol by volume. This makes it the purest form of alcohol available for various purposes, such as laboratory techniques, scientific research, industrial processes, and as a solvent for certain substances.
Absolute alcohol is most commonly used in the field of chemistry, where it serves as an essential component for various laboratory procedures, including organic synthesis, extraction, and purification of compounds. Its purity is crucial in order to prevent interference or contamination of experiments.
In addition to laboratory applications, absolute alcohol is utilized in the production of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, cosmetics, and as a disinfectant. It is also employed in some countries as a solvent for herbal extracts used in traditional medicine.
Due to its highly flammable nature, absolute alcohol requires careful handling and appropriate storage to ensure safety. Additional precautions must be taken when using it under specific laboratory or industrial conditions to avoid health risks and potential accidents.
Overall, absolute alcohol is a chemical substance that consists solely of alcohol, with no impurities. Its purity and absence of water make it a crucial component in various scientific, industrial, and medicinal applications.
