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 aroma and a slight刺激性 in its aqueous solution. Ethanol can be 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 mainly related to the characteristics of its low-carbon straight-chain alcohols. The hydroxyl groups in its molecules can form hydrogen bonds, resulting in a high viscosity and less polarity compared to organic compounds of similar relative molecular mass. At room temperature, ethanol is colorless and has a distinctive, pungent odor, making it a volatile liquid.