ContaminantDB: Ethanol

Identification Taxonomy Biological Properties Physical Properties Toxicity Profile Spectra Concentrations Links References Targets (71)XML

Record Information

Version

1.0

Creation Date

2009-05-06 21:37:51 UTC

Update Date

2026-05-14 16:52:14 UTC

Accession Number

CHEM000693

Identification

Common Name

Ethanol

Class

Small Molecule

Description

Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Indeed, ethanol has widespread use as a solvent of substances intended for human contact or consumption, including scents, flavorings, colorings, and medicines. Ethanol has a depressive effect on the central nervous system and because of its psychoactive effects, it is considered a drug. Ethanol has a complex mode of action and affects multiple systems in the brain, most notably it acts as an agonist to the GABA receptors. Death from ethanol consumption is possible when blood alcohol level reaches 0.4%. A blood level of 0.5% or more is commonly fatal. Levels of even less than 0.1% can cause intoxication, with unconsciousness often occurring at 0.3-0.4 %. Ethanol is metabolized by the body as an energy-providing carbohydrate nutrient, as it metabolizes into acetyl CoA, an intermediate common with glucose metabolism, that can be used for energy in the citric acid cycle or for biosynthesis. Ethanol within the human body is converted into acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase and then into acetic acid by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. The product of the first step of this breakdown, acetaldehyde, is more toxic than ethanol. Acetaldehyde is linked to most of the clinical effects of alcohol. It has been shown to increase the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver,[77] multiple forms of cancer, and alcoholism. Industrially, ethanol is produced both as a petrochemical, through the hydration of ethylene, and biologically, by fermenting sugars with yeast. Small amounts of ethanol are endogenously produced by gut microflora through anaerobic fermentation. However most ethanol detected in biofluids and tissues likely comes from consumption of alcoholic beverages. Absolute ethanol or anhydrous alcohol generally refers to purified ethanol, containing no more than one percent water. Absolute alcohol is not intended for human consumption. It often contains trace amounts of toxic benzene (used to remove water by azeotropic distillation). Consumption of this form of ethanol can be fatal over a short time period. Generally absolute or pure ethanol is used as a solvent for lab and industrial settings where water will disrupt a desired reaction. Pure ethanol is classed as 200 proof in the USA and Canada, equivalent to 175 degrees proof in the UK system.

Contaminant Sources

Cosmetic Chemicals
EAFUS Chemicals
FooDB Chemicals
HMDB Contaminants - Feces
HMDB Contaminants - Urine
HPV EPA Chemicals
IARC Carcinogens Group 1
OECD HPV Chemicals
STOFF IDENT Compounds
T3DB toxins
ToxCast & Tox21 Chemicals

Contaminant Type

Anti-Infective Agent, Local
Central Nervous System Depressant
Disinfectant
Drug
Food Toxin
Household Toxin
Human Neurotoxin
Industrial/Workplace Toxin
Metabolite
Natural Compound
Organic Compound
Solvent

Chemical Structure

MOL SDF 3D-SDF PDB SMILES InChI View 3D Structure

Synonyms

Value	Source
1-Hydroxyethane	ChEBI
[CH2Me(OH)]	ChEBI
[OEtH]	ChEBI
Alcohol	ChEBI
Alcohol etilico	ChEBI
Alcool ethylique	ChEBI
Alkohol	ChEBI
Aethanol	ChEBI
Aethylalkohol	ChEBI
C2H5OH	ChEBI
Dehydrated ethanol	ChEBI
Etanol	ChEBI
Ethyl alcohol	ChEBI
EtOH	ChEBI
Hydroxyethane	ChEBI
Methylcarbinol	ChEBI
Spiritus vini	ChEBI
Anhydrous ethanol	Kegg
Absolute alcohol	MeSH
Alcohol, absolute	MeSH
Alcohol, grain	MeSH
Grain alcohol	MeSH
Alcohol, ethyl	MeSH
Absolute ethanol	HMDB
Absolute ethyl alcohol	HMDB
Alcare hand degermer	HMDB
Alcohols	HMDB
Alcool etilico	HMDB
Algrain	HMDB
Alkoholu etylowego	HMDB
Anhydrol	HMDB
Anhydrous alcohol	HMDB
Cologne spirit	HMDB
Cologne spirits	HMDB
Dehydrated alcohol	HMDB
Denatured alcohol	HMDB
Denatured ethanol	HMDB
Desinfektol el	HMDB
Diluted alcohol	HMDB
Distilled spirits	HMDB
Ethanol 200 proof	HMDB
Ethanol solution	HMDB
Ethicap	HMDB
Ethyl alc	HMDB
Ethyl alcohol anhydrous	HMDB
Ethyl alcohol in alcoholic beverages	HMDB
Ethyl alcohol usp	HMDB
Ethyl hydrate	HMDB
Ethyl hydroxide	HMDB
Fermentation alcohol	HMDB
Hinetoless	HMDB
Infinity pure	HMDB
Jaysol	HMDB
Jaysol S	HMDB
Lux	HMDB
Molasses alcohol	HMDB
potato Alcohol	HMDB
Punctilious ethyl alcohol	HMDB
Pyro	HMDB
Silent spirit	HMDB
Spirit	HMDB
Spirits OF wine	HMDB
Spirt	HMDB
Synasol	HMDB
Tecsol	HMDB
Tecsol C	HMDB
Thanol	HMDB
Undenatured ethanol	HMDB

Chemical Formula

C₂H₆O

Average Molecular Mass

46.068 g/mol

Monoisotopic Mass

46.042 g/mol

CAS Registry Number

64-17-5

IUPAC Name

ethanol

Traditional Name

ethyl alcohol

SMILES

CCO

InChI Identifier

InChI=1S/C2H6O/c1-2-3/h3H,2H2,1H3

InChI Key

LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Chemical Taxonomy

Description

belongs to the class of organic compounds known as primary alcohols. Primary alcohols are compounds comprising the primary alcohol functional group, with the general structure RCOH (R=alkyl, aryl).

Kingdom

Organic compounds

Super Class

Organic oxygen compounds

Class

Organooxygen compounds

Sub Class

Alcohols and polyols

Direct Parent

Primary alcohols

Alternative Parents

Hydrocarbon derivatives

Substituents

Hydrocarbon derivative
Primary alcohol
Aliphatic acyclic compound

Molecular Framework

Aliphatic acyclic compounds

External Descriptors

primary alcohol (CHEBI:16236 )
alkyl alcohol (CHEBI:16236 )
ethanols (CHEBI:16236 )
a primary alcohol (ETOH )
a short-chain alcohol (ETOH )

Biological Properties

Status

Detected and Not Quantified

Origin

Endogenous

Cellular Locations

Cytoplasm
Extracellular
Peroxisome

Biofluid Locations

Not Available

Tissue Locations

Adipose Tissue
Adrenal Cortex
Adrenal Gland
Adrenal Medulla
Bladder
Brain
Epidermis
Fetus
Fibroblasts
Gonads
Gut
Heart
Intestine
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Mouth
Muscle
Myelin
Nerve Cells
Neuron
Pancreas
Placenta
Platelet
Prostate
Skeletal Muscle

Pathways

Name	SMPDB Link	KEGG Link
Ethanol Degradation	SMP00449	Not Available

Applications

Biological Roles

Chemical Roles

polar solvent

Physical Properties

State

Liquid

Appearance

Not Available

Experimental Properties

Property	Value
Melting Point	-114.1°C
Boiling Point	78.2°C
Solubility	1E+006 mg/L (at 25°C)

Predicted Properties

Property	Value	Source
Water Solubility	579 g/L	ALOGPS
logP	-0.4	ALOGPS
logP	-0.16	ChemAxon
logS	1.1	ALOGPS
pKa (Strongest Acidic)	16.47	ChemAxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)	-2.2	ChemAxon
Physiological Charge	0	ChemAxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count	1	ChemAxon
Hydrogen Donor Count	1	ChemAxon
Polar Surface Area	20.23 Å²	ChemAxon
Rotatable Bond Count	0	ChemAxon
Refractivity	13.01 m³·mol⁻¹	ChemAxon
Polarizability	5.3 Å³	ChemAxon
Number of Rings	0	ChemAxon
Bioavailability	1	ChemAxon
Rule of Five	Yes	ChemAxon
Ghose Filter	No	ChemAxon
Veber's Rule	Yes	ChemAxon
MDDR-like Rule	No	ChemAxon

Spectra

Spectrum Type	Description	Splash Key	View
GC-MS	GC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)	splash10-001j-9000000000-a705823ce4aeba7f89e1	Spectrum
GC-MS	GC-MS Spectrum - EI-B (Non-derivatized)	splash10-001j-9000000000-a705823ce4aeba7f89e1	Spectrum
Predicted GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positive	splash10-002b-9000000000-7fa80a491183c1cdd23e	Spectrum
Predicted GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (1 TMS) - 70eV, Positive	splash10-0fmi-9200000000-587cc3c48ab7fbf9cd3a	Spectrum
Predicted GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positive	Not Available	Spectrum
Predicted GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (Non-derivatized) - 70eV, Positive	Not Available	Spectrum
Predicted GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS Spectrum - GC-MS (TBDMS_1_1) - 70eV, Positive	Not Available	Spectrum
LC-MS/MS	LC-MS/MS Spectrum - EI-B (HITACHI RMU-7M) , Positive	splash10-001j-9000000000-a705823ce4aeba7f89e1	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive	splash10-0002-9000000000-d75d9996bc68c673f090	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive	splash10-0002-9000000000-893c2599624722912f25	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive	splash10-004i-9000000000-8af4124822065023744f	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-22231ed69c5f28bfed79	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-d2881505c47bbef13f18	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-2ed988bb761ac20ba44a	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive	splash10-0002-9000000000-5c5e98353b75870c1c55	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive	splash10-0002-9000000000-326f4f38d260a85ea469	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive	splash10-002b-9000000000-f850ab2a079485c4a276	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-b6602db69e5662ad67a9	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-b6602db69e5662ad67a9	Spectrum
Predicted LC-MS/MS	Predicted LC-MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Negative	splash10-0002-9000000000-4d0d1c69f8440a7fda18	Spectrum
MS	Mass Spectrum (Electron Ionization)	splash10-003s-9000000000-dabf5a61c5a7da9fbe13	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	13C NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
1D NMR	1H NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
2D NMR	[1H,1H] 2D NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum
2D NMR	[1H,13C] 2D NMR Spectrum	Not Available	Spectrum

Toxicity Profile

Route of Exposure

Oral, rapidly absorbed. Blood alcohol level and the time necessary to achieve it are controlled largely by the rapidity and extent of ethanol consumption. (27)

Mechanism of Toxicity

Alcohol binds to the GABA(A) receptors (delta subunit), NMDA receptors, Glycine receptors, Serotonin receptors, Acetylcholine receptors, L-channel calcium channels and GIRK channels. Ethanol acts in the central nervous system primarily by binding to the GABAA receptor, increasing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Ethanol within the human body is converted into acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase. Acetaldehyde is linked to most of the clinical effects of alcohol. It has been shown to increase the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver and multiple forms of cancer. During the metabolism of alcohol via the respective dehydrogenases, NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is converted into reduced NAD. Normally, NAD is used to metabolise fats in the liver, and as such alcohol competes with these fats for the use of NAD. Prolonged exposure to alcohol means that fats accumulate in the liver, leading to the term 'fatty liver'. Continued consumption (such as in alcoholism) then leads to cell death in the hepatocytes as the fat stores reduce the function of the cell to the point of death. These cells are then replaced with scar tissue, leading to the condition called cirrhosis.

Metabolism

Ethanol is metabolized to acetaldehyde by three enzymes: 1. Alcohol dehydrogenase metabolized methanol to acetaldehyde, which is oxidized by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase to acetate. 2. Catalase metabolizes ethanol by utilizing H2O2 supplied by the actionhs of NADPH oxidase and xanthine oxidase. This normally accounts for more than 10% of ethanol metabolism. 3. CYP2E1, is the principal component of the hepatic microsomal ethanol oxidizing system, MEOS) (27)

Toxicity Values

LD50: 5628 mg/kg (Oral, rat)

Lethal Dose

The fatal dose of ethanol is 300-400 mL of pure ethanol (600-800 mL of 50% spirits), for the average adult if consumed in less than one hour. More specifically, the lethal dose of alcohol is 5-8g/kg (3g/kg for children).

Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)

Ethanol in alcoholic beverages is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). (26)

Uses/Sources

Ethanol is used as a solvent in industry, in many household products and pharmaceuticals, and in intoxicating beverages. It is also used for therapeutic neurolysis of nerves or ganglia for the relief of intractable chronic pain in such conditions as inoperable cancer and trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), in patients for whom neurosurgical procedures are contraindicated.

Minimum Risk Level

Not Available

Health Effects

Acute: At 0.1% blood alcohol levels individuals experience CNS depression, nausea, possible vomiting, impaired cognition and impaired motor and sensory function. Accidents or injury can also occur due to the side effects of loss of coordination, slowed reaction time, sleepiness and impaired judgment. At >0.14% blood alcohol levels there is decreased blood flow to the brain. At greater than 0.3% blood alcohol there is a marked degree of stupefaction and possible unconsciousness. At levels greater than 0.4% there is a risk of death. Acute consumption leading to blood alcohol levels greater than 0.5% is almost universally fatal. Chronic: high levels of alcohol consumption are associated with an increased risk of alcoholism, malnutrition, chronic pancreatitis, alcoholic (fatty) liver disease, and cancer. Frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages has been shown to be a major contributing factor in cases of elevated blood levels of triglycerides. In addition, damage to the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system can occur from chronic alcohol abuse. The long-term use of alcohol is capable of damaging nearly every organ and system in the body. The developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol. In addition, the developing fetal brain is also vulnerable, and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) may result if pregnant mothers consume alcohol. The net effect of alcohol consumption on global human health is quite detrimental, with an estimated 3.8% of all global deaths and 4.6% of global disability-adjusted life-years attributable to alcohol. Ethanol is considered a teratogen (causing fetal alcohol syndrome) and a Group 1 carcinogen because of the carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde (a major metabolite of alcohol).

Symptoms

Symptoms and effects of overdose include nausea, vomiting, CNS depression, acute respiratory failure or death and with chronic use, severe health problems, such as liver and brain damage. At >0.14% blood alcohol levels there is decreased blood flow to the brain. At greater than 0.3% blood alcohol there is a marked degree of stupefaction and possible unconsciousness. At levels greater than 0.4% there is a risk of death. Acute consumption leading to blood alcohol levels greater than 0.5% is almost universally fatal. With chronic alcohol abuse, severe health problems, such as liver and brain damage can be present.

Treatment

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call for an ambulance to take them to a hospital. While you're waiting: try to keep them sitting up and awake, give them water if they can drink it. If they've passed out, lie them on their side in the recovery position and check they're breathing properly, keep them warm and stay with them and monitor their symptoms. Acute alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency due to the risk of death from respiratory depression and/or inhalation of vomit if emesis occurs while the patient is unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency treatment for acute alcohol poisoning strives to stabilize the patient and maintain a patent airway and respiration, while waiting for the alcohol to metabolize. Emergency treatment in a hospital can involve: 1) treating hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) with 50 ml of 50% dextrose solution and saline flush, as ethanol induced hypoglycaemia is unresponsive to glucagon; 2) Administration of the vitamin thiamine to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which can cause a seizure; 3) application of haemodialysis if the blood concentration is dangerously high (>400 mg%), and especially if there is metabolic acidosis and 4) Providing oxygen therapy as needed via nasal cannula or non-rebreather mask.

Concentrations

Not Available

External Links

DrugBank ID

DB00898

HMDB ID

HMDB0000108

FooDB ID

FDB000753

Phenol Explorer ID

Not Available

KNApSAcK ID