Buy Alcohol (ethanol) Cas 64-17-5

Alcohol, sometimes referred to by the chemical name ethanol,^[a] is the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor).^{[11][12][13][14]} Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, decreasing electrical activity of neurons in the brain,^[15] which causes the characteristic effects of alcohol intoxication (“drunkenness”).^[16] Among other effects, alcohol produces euphoria, decreased anxiety, increased sociability, sedation, and impairment of cognitive, memory, motor, and sensory function.

Alcohol has a variety of adverse effects. Short-term adverse effects include generalized impairment of neurocognitive function, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms of hangover. Alcohol is addictive and can result in alcohol use disorder, dependence, and withdrawal upon cessation. The long-term effects of alcohol are considered to be a major global public health issue and include liver disease, hepatitis,^[17] cardiovascular disease (e.g., cardiomyopathy), polyneuropathy, alcoholic hallucinosis, long-term impact on the brain (e.g., brain damage, dementia, and Marchiafava–Bignami disease),^[18][19] and cancers; alcohol and some of its metabolites (such as acetaldehyde) are IARC group 1 carcinogens.^[20][21] The adverse effects of alcohol on health are most significant when it is used in excessive quantities or with heavy frequency. However, in 2023, the World Health Organization published a statement in The Lancet Public Health that concluded, “no safe amount of alcohol consumption for cancers and health can be established.”^[22][23] In high amounts, alcohol may cause loss of consciousness or, in severe cases, death. Many governmental agencies and organizations issue alcohol consumption recommendations.

Alcohol has been produced and consumed by humans for its psychoactive effects since at least 13,000 years ago, when the earliest known beer was brewed by the Natufian culture in the Middle East.^[24][25][26] Alcohol is the second most consumed psychoactive drug globally, behind caffeine,^[27][28] with global sales of alcoholic beverages exceeding $1.5 trillion in 2017.^[29] Drinking alcohol is generally socially acceptable and is legal in most countries, unlike with many other recreational substances. However, there are often restrictions on alcohol sale and use, for instance a minimum age for drinking and laws against public drinking and drinking and driving.^[30] Alcohol has considerable societal and cultural significance and has important social roles in much of the world. Drinking establishments, such as bars and nightclubs, revolve primarily around the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and parties, festivals, and social gatherings commonly involve alcohol consumption. Alcohol is related to various societal problems, including drunk driving, accidental injuries, sexual assaults, domestic abuse, and violent crime.^[31] Alcohol remains illegal for sale and consumption in a number of countries, mainly in the Middle East. While some religions, including Islam, prohibit alcohol consumption, other religions, such as Christianity and Shinto, utilize alcohol in sacrament and libation.^[32][33][34]

Ethanol is commonly consumed as the recreational active substance of alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. Consumption in social settings may enhance sociability, since it increases occurrences of Duchenne smiling, talking, and social bonding.^[35] While research on the societal benefits of alcohol is rare, in a study from the UK, regular but moderate drinking was correlated with happiness, feeling that life was worthwhile, and satisfaction with life. Community pubs had less variation in visible group sizes and longer, more focused conversations than those in city centre bars. Drinking regularly at a community pub led to higher trust in others and better networking with the local community, compared to non-drinkers and city centre bar drinkers. However, according to a causal path analysis, alcohol consumption was not the cause, but rather satisfaction with life resulted in greater happiness and an inclination to visit pubs and develop a regular drinking venue.^[36]