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 odor 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.

The physical properties of ethanol are mainly related to the properties of its low-carbon straight-chain alcohols. The hydroxyl group in its molecule can form hydrogen bonds, hence ethanol has a high viscosity and is less polar than organic compounds of similar molecular weight. At room temperature, ethanol is colorless and has a distinctive aromatic odor, and it is a volatile liquid.