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Ethanol (Ethanol, ethyl alcohol, E1510)
Ethanol is considered to be a typical representative of monatomic alcohols, often it is called wine, ethyl or simply alcohol. In the international classification of food additives, ethanol is registered under the code E1510, belongs to the group of additional substances.
General Characteristics of E1510 Ethanol
Ethanol is known as a clear, volatile liquid with a specific pungent smell and a characteristic burning taste. It dissolves other organic substances well (calorizator). Ethanol is obtained by the method of alcoholic fermentation or by a synthetic method, in the process of hydration of ethylene. The substance has the property of quickly igniting, burns with a bright flame of a blue hue, breaks down into water and carbon dioxide.
Chemical formula C2H5OH or CH3-CH2-OH.
Benefits and harms of Ethanol
In small amounts, ethyl alcohol “works” in the human body as a natural metabolite, but even in these cases, it should be remembered that ethanol is a depressant that acts depressingly on the human nervous system. Ethanol has narcotic and toxic properties, which is expressed in the ability to cause stupor, insensitivity to pain, arousal. Ethanol is a strong carcinogen, excessive consumption of ethyl alcohol and products containing it leads to gastritis, stomach ulcers, cancer of the esophagus and stomach, cirrhosis of the liver and exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases. The most common diseases associated with alcohol use are alcoholism and clinical depression.
Application of Ethanol
In the food industry, E1510 is used for the production of strong alcoholic beverages (whiskey, vodka, gin, etc.) and non-alcoholic beverages obtained by fermentation (kvass, koumiss, kefir, beer). It is used as a solvent of food flavors, as a preservative in the production of confectionery and bread baking.
Also, ethanol is used in medicine – as a drying and disinfecting, cooling and warming agent; in the perfume industry – as a universal solvent for the production of perfumes and cosmetics; in the chemical industry – for the manufacture of detergents.
Use of E1510
On the territory of our country, the use of E1510 Ethanol as a food additive is allowed in strictly regulated quantities by SanPiN.