Grain alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a colorless and flammable liquid that is produced by fermenting and distilling grains such as corn, wheat, and barley. It is commonly used as a solvent, fuel, and in the production of alcoholic beverages. One of the most important properties of grain alcohol is its boiling point.
What is Boiling Point?
Boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid changes into a gas. At this temperature, the vapor pressure of the liquid becomes equal to the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere, causing the liquid to boil and turn into a gas. The boiling point of a liquid is dependent on the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere and the physical properties of the liquid itself.
Boiling Point of Grain Alcohol
/whiskey-distillation-157532646-57a236655f9b589aa91b8ff0.jpg)
The boiling point of grain alcohol is 173.1°F or 78.37°C at standard pressure (1 atmosphere or 760 mmHg). This means that at this temperature, the vapor pressure of the grain alcohol is equal to the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere, causing it to boil and turn into a gas.
Factors Affecting Boiling Point of Grain Alcohol
The boiling point of grain alcohol can be affected by several factors such as the purity of the alcohol, the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere, and the presence of impurities. Generally, the more pure the alcohol, the higher its boiling point. Additionally, the boiling point of grain alcohol can be lowered by decreasing the pressure of the surrounding atmosphere.
Uses of Boiling Point in Distillation
Boiling point is a critical factor in the distillation process of grain alcohol. Distillation is the process of separating a mixture of liquids with different boiling points by heating them until they boil and turn into a vapor, then condensing them back into a liquid. By knowing the boiling point of each component in the mixture, the distiller can separate them and obtain a more pure form of the desired product.
Conclusion
The boiling point of grain alcohol is an important property that affects its use in various industries. By understanding the factors that affect its boiling point, distillers and other professionals can manipulate it to obtain a more pure form of the alcohol for their specific needs.