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 distinctive, pleasant fragrance and a slight刺激性. Ethanol is used to produce acetic acid, beverages, perfumes, dyes, fuels, and more. In the medical field, a 70% to 75% volume fraction of ethanol is commonly used as a disinfectant.

Ethanol's physical properties are primarily related to those of its straight-chain, low-carbon alcohols. The hydroxyl groups in its molecules can form hydrogen bonds, resulting in a high viscosity and less polarity than organic compounds of similar molecular weight. At room temperature, ethanol is colorless and has a distinctive, pungent odor.