Describe the process of obtaining pure alcohol.
Answers
Through the process known as "mashing" starch is converted to sugar and then fermentation breaks the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This fermented must is submitted to the distillation process and 96% (192 proof) alcohol is obtained. It is then diluted with water to 95% strength and distributed for general use.
Answer:
Ethanol (pure alcohol) is a hydrophilic organic solvent, i.e. it mixes readily with water and various water solutions like sugar syrup, but it will not mix directly with sugar. This statement applies to 95% pure drinking quality alcohol. The maximum strength of alcohol that can be produced by the distillation process alone is 97.2% alcohol. The remaining 2.8% water cannot be separated from alcohol as it forms with alcohol as an azeotrope.