The structural formula of recycled waste ethanol is C2H5OH, commonly known as alcohol. It is a flammable and volatile colorless liquid at room temperature and pressure, with a unique and pleasant fragrance in its aqueous solution, and a slight刺激性. Ethanol is used to produce acetic acid, beverages, perfumes, dyes, fuels, and more. In medicine, 70% to 75% ethanol by volume is commonly used as a disinfectant.

The physical properties of ethanol are mainly related to the properties of its low-carbon straight-chain alcohols. The hydroxyl groups in its 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, fragrant, volatile liquid.