Ethanol is made by fermentation of sugar or by the hydration of ethene. Ethanol is commonly found in households in the form of alcoholic beverages. The percentage of ethanol found in alcoholic beverages is one half of the value of the drink’s proof value. Ethanol is also used for manufacturing paints and varnishes, as a carrier in various medications, as a disinfectant, in some types of thermometers, as a fuel substitute, and in some forms of antifreeze.

Ethanol, %v/v:                                                                  99.50
Residue on evaporation, percent by weight:               0.005 (50 ppm) max
Aldehydes, as acetaldehyde, g/100 ml:                    0.10 (1000 ppm) max
Esters, as ethyl acetate, g/100 ml:                           0.02 (200 ppm) max
Copper, as Cu, g/100 ml:                                             0.0004 (4 ppm) max
Lead, as Pb, g/100 ml:                                                0.0001 (1 ppm) max