For centuries, mankind has been looking for a recipe for alcohol that does not cause a hangover. The authors of science fiction novels have described miraculous drinks that give euphoria, but the next morning do not cause well-known unpleasant symptoms. It seems that fantasy will become reality very soon – work on harmless alcohol has entered the final stage. The novelty has already been dubbed synthetic alcohol, but this name should not be taken too unambiguously. Moreover, synthetic alcohol has existed for a long time and it is forbidden to use it in the production of alcoholic beverages.
What is synthetic alcohol
Synthetic alcohol is not a new phenomenon in science. The author of the structural theory of organic chemistry, Alexander Butlerov, first isolated ethanol in 1872. The scientist experimented with ethylene gas and sulfuric acid, from which, when heated, he was able to isolate the first tertiary alcohol. Interestingly, the scientist began his research already being firmly convinced of the result – with the help of calculations, he managed to understand what kind of molecule would result from a particular chemical reaction.
After a successful experiment, Butlerov deduced several formulas that later helped to establish the production of synthetic alcohol. Later in his work, he used acetyl chloride and zinc methyl – these toxic compounds, under certain conditions, made it possible to obtain trimethylcarbinol, which is currently used to denature ethyl alcohol. The works of the outstanding chemist were appreciated only after 1950, when industrialists learned how to obtain pure natural gas.
The production of synthetic alcohol from gas is much cheaper than from natural raw materials, but even in those years the Soviet government refused to use artificial ethanol in the food industry. First I stopped the smell – gasoline was clearly traced in the aroma of alcohol. Then scientists proved the danger of artificial ethanol to human health. Alcoholic drinks based on it caused rapid addiction and had a much harder effect on internal organs. Despite this, fake oil vodka is sometimes sold in Russia, which is imported mainly from Kazakhstan.
Where is synthetic alcohol used?
Synthetic alcohol is made from natural gas, oil, and even coal. Technologies make it possible to save food raw materials and produce demanded products based on ethanol.
Alcohol is added to the composition:
- solvents;
- fuel for cars and special equipment;
- paintwork materials;
- antifreeze liquids;
- perfume products.
Alcoholic biofuels are most often used as an additive to gasoline. Ethanol is a good solvent, so it forms the basis of additives that protect the elements of an internal combustion engine.
Much of the alcohol is purchased by the plastics and rubber industries, where it is needed for manufacturing processes. The main importers of synthetic alcohols are the countries of South America and South Africa.
Synthetic alcohol Alcarelle
One of the latest inventions in the field of synthetic alcohol is Alcarelle (Alkarel), which has nothing to do with alcohol from gas and coal. The inventor of the substance is Professor David Nutt, who devoted his life to studying the human brain. An English scientist by nationality, however, he worked for several years as the head of the clinical sciences department at the US National Institute of Alcohol Abuse.
In 1988, the researcher returned to his homeland and directed all his efforts to the fight against drugs and intoxicants. Nutt then studied neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London, from where he was fired for asserting that ethanol was more dangerous to humans than heroin and cocaine. After that, the scientist devoted himself to the development of the substance Alcarelle, capable of revolutionizing the alcohol industry.
Work on Alcarelle lies in the field of neuroscience, which has recently advanced significantly. Alcohol causes an intoxicating effect because it affects a certain transmitter in the brain. David Nutt undertook to imitate this process. He created a substance that brings a person into a state similar to alcohol intoxication, but drinks based on it do not cause addiction and a hangover.
Nutt is confident that humanity will not give up alcohol, since alcohol has been consumed for centuries to relieve tension and stress. The task of the scientist was to develop a substance that would give the brain a slight euphoria, but not turn off consciousness. In this case, the element should not adversely affect the brain, liver and gastrointestinal tract. The goal was to find a replacement for ethanol, the breakdown products of which cause hangovers and destroy internal organs.
According to David Natta, the Alcarelle alcohol analogue is designed to be neutral to the body. However, the work of the scientist in this direction causes concern of the scientific community. Opponents do not believe that the impact on the brain can be safe and refer to the lack of knowledge of the problem. The main arguments of the opponents are that Alcarelle can potentially provoke antisocial behavior, since it removes the barriers set by the brain.
Alcarelle is currently undergoing multi-stage safety testing. The substance will enter circulation only after the approval of the relevant ministries and departments. The start of sales is tentatively scheduled for 2023. However, voices in defense of the drug are getting louder. Too many dream of experiencing all the delights of intoxication without cruel retribution in the morning.