The structural formula of recycled waste ethyl alcohol is C2H5OH, commonly known as alcohol. It is a flammable and volatile colorless liquid under normal temperature and pressure. Its aqueous solution has a distinctive, pleasing aroma with a slight刺激性. Ethanol is used to manufacture acetic acid, beverages, fragrances, dyes, fuels, and more. In the medical field, 70% to 75% ethanol solutions are commonly used as disinfectants.

The physical properties of ethanol are primarily related to the properties of its low-carbon straight-chain alcohols. The hydroxyl groups in the molecule can form hydrogen bonds, making ethanol highly viscous and less polar than organic compounds with similar molecular weights. At room temperature, ethanol is colorless and has a distinctive aromatic odor as a volatile liquid.