What is the Ethanol Melting Point: Explained

More than 1 in 4 fuel blends in the U.S. contain bio-based alcohol, yet many engineers miss how low its freeze temp can go.

This short glossary entry defines a precise freeze value: −114.14 ± 0.03 °C (−173.45 ± 0.05 °F; 159.01 ± 0.03 K). That exact measure matters for specs, cold baths, and safety data sheets used by labs and plants.

Ethyl alcohol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. It is miscible with water and has a density near 0.78945 g/cm³ at 20 °C, plus a flash point of 14 °C.

Polarity and hydrogen bonding within its small carbon chain drive thermal behavior that differs from nonpolar hydrocarbons. Those properties affect storage, finishes, and compatibility for CNC parts.

Rapidaccu brings 15+ years of CNC machining experience to projects where solvent exposure, low temperatures, or solvent-based finishes meet tight tolerances.

Rapid answer: Ethanol’s melting point at a glance

Quick data: a single precise value helps engineers set cold‑weather process limits. Rapidaccu supplies verified numbers so teams can finalize fixture design and solvent handling without delay.

Core value

Core value: −114.14 ± 0.03 °C (−173.45 ± 0.05 °F; 159.01 ± 0.03 K). This figure refers to high‑purity ethyl alcohol under standard lab conditions. Small impurities shift results slightly; use the stated uncertainty for QA checks.

Quick references for engineering

• Boiling reference: 78.23 ± 0.09 °C for phase planning.
• Density at 20 °C: 0.78945 g/cm³ to support fluid handling.
• Miscible with water; watch for freezing point elevation in mixed baths.

Use this concise set of numbers in specs, safety data, and material control plans. Rapidaccu highlights these physical properties so manufacturing teams plan cleaning, coolant selection, and low‑temperature operations with confidence.

Definition: What ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is

A practical definition helps engineers and safety teams plan for solvent exposure and low-temperature work.

Ethyl alcohol (EtOH) is a two-carbon alcohol with formula CH3CH2OH (C2H6O). It contains a hydroxyl group that drives polarity and strong solvent action.

• Names: ethyl alcohol, EtOH, grain alcohol — used interchangeably in labs and industry.
• Core traits: clear, flammable liquid; fully miscible with water and many organic compounds.
• Uses: solvent, antiseptic, fuel additive, and active ingredient in alcoholic beverages; industrial grades are denatured for non‑beverage use.

The substance acts as a psychoactive depressant on the central nervous system and is metabolized mainly in the liver. That health profile shapes exposure limits and PPE needs in plants and labs.

As a platform chemical, it forms many downstream compounds used in manufacturing. Rapidaccu advises selecting seals, plastics, and metals that resist swelling or stress cracking from ethyl alcohol exposure.

To learn more about EtOH and its properties, consult this reference: ethanol overview.

whats is the ethanol melting point

Engineers rely on a precise freeze value when designing systems that use alcohol-based coolants. Rapidaccu presents a validated figure: −114.14 ± 0.03 °C (−173.45 ± 0.05 °F; 159.01 ± 0.03 K).

This number applies to high-purity ethyl alcohol. Small water content or impurities shift observed results. In everyday labs and plants, the substance stays liquid far below freezing water temperatures without special refrigeration.

That low reading enables cold baths for controlled cooling below 0 °C and keeps parts workable at sub-zero setpoints. Hydrogen bonding and molecular polarity explain why phase behavior differs from many nonpolar hydrocarbons.

• Use the Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin values in specs and calibration notes.
• Account for impurities when setting safety and storage envelopes.
• Select elastomers and plastics rated for sub-zero service to avoid embrittlement.

Rapidaccu can machine parts and advise finishes for systems that operate near this temperature to preserve tolerances and surface integrity.

Temperature units and conversions used for ethanol data

Measurements are given in multiple scales so global teams can apply specs without conversion errors. Rapidaccu supplies drawings and data in °C, °F, and K to match customer standards across prototyping and production.

Degrees Celsius vs Fahrenheit vs Kelvin

Using three units serves different audiences. Celsius and Fahrenheit meet operational and facility needs. Kelvin supports thermodynamic calculations and formal scientific records.

• Quote values in all three units to avoid conversion errors on SOPs and drawings.
• Preserve uncertainty ranges when transcribing numbers; rounding can hide critical tolerance.
• Note ambient water freezing and boiling points when designing mixed systems.
• Keep consistent unit labels on nameplates, calibration stickers, and process docs.
• Unit consistency improves energy balance and heat load estimates for cooling baths.
• Specify temperature ratings in procurement for seals, tubing, and housings to match listed values.

Rapidaccu delivers specifications in customer-preferred units to streamline integration and reduce operator errors. For clarity, include both °C and °F on U.S.-based procedures and include Kelvin for scientific records.

Molecular identity and formula of ethanol

A clear structural view helps predict solvent behavior and material compatibility in machining and finishing. Rapidaccu recommends design choices based on atomic arrangement and functional groups for durable parts.

Empirical and structural formulas

Empirical formula: C2H6O. Structural formula: CH3CH2OH. Common shorthand: EtOH. These notations show two carbon atoms, six hydrogens, and one oxygen arranged around a single alcohol functional group.

Functional group and reactivity

The hydroxyl group (−OH) defines alcohol chemistry. Oxygen in that group forms hydrogen bonds, raising polarity and solvent strength.

• Hydrogen bonding increases volatility and affects boiling and solvent power.
• Short two‑carbon chain gives higher solubility than longer alcohols and shifts phase behavior.
• Polarity helps dissolve many polar compounds and some nonpolar materials.

Understanding molecular formula and group layout guides seal selection, finish choice, and cleaning protocols. Rapidaccu advises on material and finish options that resist swelling or stress cracking from solvent exposure.

Why ethanol’s melting point is so low

Molecular structure controls why some small alcohols stay liquid far below normal lab chills. Strong, directional bonds between O–H groups create networks that affect phase change. That behavior differs from nonpolar solvents and guides design choices for low‑temperature systems.

Hydrogen bonding and short chain effects

Intermolecular hydrogen links raise boiling values while complicating solid packing. A short carbon chain reduces dispersion forces. Together, these factors make solid lattices hard to form in small alcohol molecules.

Contrast with alkanes and role of polarity

Nonpolar hydrocarbons lack O–H interactions. For similar molecular mass, a gas like propane shows much lower boiling than an alcohol. Polarity changes viscosity, energy exchange, and how a fluid behaves at sub‑zero service temperatures.

Rapidaccu helps engineers pick seals and finishes that stay stable when solvent exposure and low temperatures combine. Remember: fluidity at low temperature does not reduce flammability risks, so controls remain essential.

Boiling point versus melting point: how they differ for ethanol

Phase boundaries define how a solvent behaves from cryogenic baths to hot drying ovens. For this alcohol, the upper vapor transition sits at 78.23 ± 0.09 °C (172.81 ± 0.16 °F) at 1 atm. The low‑temperature solid transition occurs far below water’s freeze range, giving a very wide liquid window.

That broad liquid span means the fluid stays workable in most sub‑zero operations but will produce significant vapor near warm process setpoints. Low boiling helps fast drying after cleaning yet raises vapor and ignition risk. Water contamination shifts phase behavior and can form azeotropes or change freezing and evaporation trends.

• Liquid window: from deep cryogenic temps up to about 78 °C at 1 atm.
• Practical use: low‑temp baths for cooling; hot air drying below boiling to limit vapor.
• Controls: closed loops, condensers, and recovery cut emissions and solvent loss.

Phase behavior and process energy

Heating or cooling plans must include heat of vaporization and specific heat to size equipment and predict cycle time. Rapidaccu helps map these phase windows so cleaning, drying, and finishing preserve tolerances and surface quality. Use calibrated thermometry and verified ranges in SOPs and batch records.

For verified spectral and quantitative references, consult the official spectral reference.

Flash point and safety thresholds related to temperature

Flammability controls around solvents hinge on a clear flash threshold and practical storage limits. For absolute ethyl alcohol, the flash value sits near 14 °C, so ordinary room heat can produce an ignition risk if vapors concentrate.

Key safety parameters

GHS labeling uses the signal word “Danger” with H225 and related hazard statements. NFPA 704 scores commonly appear as Health 2, Flammability 3, Instability 0. Vapor pressure at 20 °C is about 5.95 kPa, so vapors form readily at moderate temperature.

• Eliminate sparks and open flames; use bonding and grounding for transfers.
• Install explosion‑proof ventilation and monitor vapor concentration near work areas.
• Do not rely on water dilution to make storage safe—added water raises flash values only slightly.
• Keep strong acid oxidizers and other incompatible reagents segregated to avoid violent reactions.
• Use closed pumps and grounded containers to cut static discharge during transfers.

For emergency response, choose spill media compatible with alcohols and avoid oxidizing agents. Rapidaccu prioritizes safe manufacturing and designs part‑cleaning flows and storage that protect finishes, equipment, and personnel under real workshop conditions.

Physical properties that accompany the melting point

Practical numbers for density, viscosity, and vapor pressure help teams size baths and pumps accurately.

Key physical properties support dosing, drying, and QC when using alcohol-based cleaning or baths. Rapidaccu tailors machining and finishing plans to account for these parameters and to protect tolerances and surface appearance.

• Density near 20 °C: 0.78945 g/cm³ — use for bath volume and weight calculations.
• Viscosity at 20 °C: ~1.2 mPa·s; refractive index nD ≈ 1.3611 for optical checks.
• Vapor pressure at 20 °C: 5.95 kPa; expect notable evaporation and plan ventilation.
• Fully miscible with water and many organic solvents — affects drying time and residue behavior.

Account for temperature-driven shifts in these properties when specifying pumps, nozzles, and coatings. Avoid water pickup where anhydrous conditions matter; use sealed storage and desiccants. Rapidaccu can validate surface cleanliness and finish quality after alcohol-based processes to ensure consistent cosmetic and dimensional outcomes.

Ethanol at room temperature: state, handling, and stability

At typical workshop temperatures, this alcohol remains a colorless, volatile liquid that aids cleaning and solution prep while demanding careful controls.

Density near 0.789 g/cm³ at 20 °C and full miscibility with water make it practical for rinse steps and dilutions. Rapid evaporation speeds drying but can cool surfaces and create vapor concentration in confined spaces.

Volatility and low flash values require good ventilation, ignition source control, and bonded transfer practices. Store containers tightly closed to limit water uptake and solvent loss.

• Confirm liquid state at room temperature for cleaning and disinfection.
• Ventilate work areas to reduce vapor build‑up and fire risk.
• Inspect elastomers and plastics for softening or whitening after exposure.
• Use spill kits and keep ignition sources away; vapors can travel along floors.
• Validate residue‑sensitive surfaces after contact to preserve finish and function.

Rapidaccu aligns process planning to account for solvent effects at room temperature. We match cleaning time, ventilation, and packaging to protect precision surfaces before shipment.

Comparing melting points across common alcohols

Comparing cold behavior across common alcohols helps teams pick solvents that meet process temperature limits.

Methanol versus ethanol

Methanol freezes near −97 °C. Ethanol reaches about −114 °C, so it stays liquid at lower setpoints.

Isopropyl and higher alcohol trends

Isopropyl alcohol solidifies around −89 °C. Many larger or branched alcohols, such as t‑butanol, can be solid at room temperature (≈25 °C).

• Chain length and branching alter packing and hydrogen bonding, changing phase behavior.
• Longer carbon chains usually reduce water miscibility and raise solid and boiling values.
• Some higher alcohols are poor choices for cold baths because they solidify at mild temps.
• Hydrogen bonding differences affect viscosity and heat transfer in cooling fluids.

Evaluate material compatibility, not just thermal numbers, when choosing a solvent. Rapidaccu can machine test fixtures to check how parts handle candidate solvents at target temps.

Industrial relevance: why melting point matters

Low-temperature behavior guides whether a solvent can serve as a coolant or a process contaminant. Rapidaccu uses thermal data when advising on cleaning, cooling, and transport for parts from prototype to production.

Antifreeze and low-temperature bath applications

A very low freezing value lets systems run stable sub-zero baths without solidification. Mixtures of alcohol and dry ice create controlled cooling down to targeted setpoints for stress testing and finishing.

These baths keep viscosity low and heat transfer efficient compared with many glycols at the same temperature.

Shipping, storage, and pipeline considerations

High miscibility with water complicates pipeline transport and raises contamination risk. Dedicated logistics and sealed containers are needed to avoid moisture ingress and to preserve thermal properties during transit.

Storage should include desiccant or vapor‑tight seals to prevent water uptake that shifts behavior and performance.

Solvent selection and process window design

Choose solvents by solvency for target compounds, temperature window, and materials compatibility. Account for both low and high transition limits to keep steady-state operations safe and predictable.

Seals and coatings can stiffen or shrink at low temps; select elastomers rated for solvent exposure and sub-zero service. Plan energy-efficient chilling and heat recovery in closed-loop cooling to save energy.

For verified thermal references used in engineering, consult this melting point reference: melting point reference. Rapidaccu can fabricate solvent‑compatible fixtures and housings optimized for low‑temperature service.

Safety snapshot: flammability, exposure, and lab practices

A clear safety snapshot helps labs and shops keep staff and parts safe when working with volatile solvents.

Hazard summary: GHS: Danger (H225, H319, H360D). NFPA 704: 2‑3‑0. Typical occupational limit: TWA ~1000 ppm (NIOSH/OSHA guidance). Keep labels and SDS available at all workstations.

GHS “Danger” label and common hazards

High flammability and eye irritation top the list. Strong oxidizing acids react violently with alcohol; never co‑store or mix. Ingestion or heavy inhalation can depress central nervous system function and stress liver metabolism.

Ventilation, ignition sources, and PPE reminders

• Control ignition: hot work permits, grounding, and bonded transfers.
• Ventilate to keep vapors below exposure limits; use explosion‑rated fans where needed.
• PPE: splash goggles or face shields, solvent‑rated gloves, and lab coats or FR garments for hot tasks.

Rapidaccu enforces solvent safety controls across machining and finishing. Training, labeling, and SOPs protect body, product, and plant while keeping operations compliant and predictable.

From properties to production and uses

From raw feedstocks to fuel tanks, production routes shape how this alcohol reaches industry. Two main methods supply markets: fermentation of sugars (corn, sugarcane) and petrochemical hydration of ethylene.

Fermentation origin and major applications

Fermentation yields beverage and industrial grades. Beverage production creates wine and spirits for consumption, while industrial lines add denaturants or control water content for safety and specs.

• Primary uses: solvent, antiseptic, fuel component, and feedstock for products like diethyl ether.
• Extraction solvent in pharma and botanical work thanks to strong polarity.
• Lab and manufacturing cleaning: fast drying and residue removal for precision parts.

Fuel blends (E10–E85) and combustion notes

The oxygen content in ethyl alcohol raises octane and alters engine calibration for blends such as E10 and E85. Combustion mainly forms CO2 and water but can increase aldehyde emissions and local smog‑forming reactivity.

Rapidaccu supports customers where this alcohol contact is routine. We machine components and advise on materials and finishes so parts meet spec from prototype to mass production.

Rapidaccu insight: precision manufacturing around ethanol’s thermal profile

Rapidaccu applies material science and shop experience to keep parts stable when solvents and temperature swings meet tight tolerances. Our team leverages 15+ years of CNC machining to advise on parts that face alcohol exposure during cleaning or low-temp service.

Material compatibility and finish in solvent-exposed parts

Choose metals, plastics, and elastomers proven to resist cracking, swelling, or seal loss from ethanol contact. Note density (~0.789 g/cm³ at 20 °C), flash near 14 °C, and full miscibility with water when specifying parts and storage.

Align anodizing, passivation, and polishing strategies with solvent resistance to protect both cosmetic and functional surfaces.

Process planning from prototype to mass production

Plan for rapid evaporation of pure ethanol to avoid cooling-induced condensation and dimensional shifts. Include validated drying steps when ethanol used in cleaning to prevent water spotting and residues.

• Design fixtures with venting and drainage to prevent pooling.
• Use grounded equipment and ignition controls for energy and safety management.
• Validate assemblies with accelerated compatibility tests and provide detailed handling and inspection documentation for scale-up.

Conclusion

This final summary ties verified thermal data to practical shop and process choices.

Key authoritative values are clear: melting point −114.14 ± 0.03 °C, boiling 78.23 ± 0.09 °C, density ~0.78945 g/cm³ at 20 °C, and flash near 14 °C. These numbers guide coolant, cleaning, and storage decisions.

Polarity and hydrogen bonding explain many physical properties and their effects on seals, finishes, and heat transfer. Full miscibility with water and incompatibility with strong oxidizing acid demand controlled storage and ventilation under GHS Danger rules.

Rapidaccu stands ready to advise on solvent-aware design, material selection, and machining strategies that deliver repeatable quality, safe handling, and clear, unit-consistent documentation for production or prototype work.