Short chained compounds of alcohol can mix with water (soluble), long chains can not. The more CH2 in its compounds, the less polar. Alcohol do not ionise (gain or lose electrons) in water and they are as acidic as water. When they burn or react, they give off Carbon Dioxide and water.
 

Methanol was originally made from distillation of wood. But today, almost all of the methanol is produced synthetically, from hydrogen and Carbon Monoxide under high pressure and also Methane (natural gas). The synthetic methanol is then converted into Formaldehyde, which is a chemical used in making plastics. And because methanol is a solvent (something that dissolves other substances), it is important in the manufacture of gums, lacquers, paints, varnishes and many organic compounds. Methanol is also used as antifreeze solutions in motor vehicles and special motor fuels, but this is more expensive than other fuels.
 

         H
          l                          Methanol / Methyl Alcohol / Wood Alcohol
   H - C - O - H
          l                          CH₃OH
         H

Fermentation is a process used to produce ethanol from raw materials, such as starch from potatoes, corn, cereal, fruits or grain. Glucose and sugars from these raw materials are converted into ethanol by enzymes (catalysts). Yeast is used in this process, because they contain enzymes called Zymase to change glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

In fact, this reaction is very complex, because the impure yeast will also produce other substances during the reaction, such as fusel oil, Glycerin and other organic acids. The fermented liquid is about 7 - 12 % ethanol, but can be further concentrated to 95% by distillation. Distillation will remove the water and other impurities by heating it under pressure.

Ethanol has a boiling point of 78?C and a melting point of -114?C. Because of it? withstand over low temperatures, it can be used in thermometers  for temperatures below -40?C, the freezing point of Mercury.

Not only for drinking, but ethanol can also be useful as solvents in chemical reactions, lacquers, varnishes, detergents, toiletries, perfume and explosives. They can also make synthetic rubber and a special motor fuel called Gasohol. (10% ethanol, 90% petrol)
 

         H    H
          l      l                         Ethanol  / Ethanol Alcohol / Grain Alcohol
   H - C - C - O - H
          l      l                         CH₃CH₂OH
         H     H

Alcohol is a drug that slows and controls the reactions of the brain. It is absorbed very quickly into the blood stream from the stomach in a short time of 5 -10 minutes. The effects can last for a couple of hours depending on the amount and how quick it was consumed, how much food in the stomach, body weight and their behaviour. As a result of drinking, these people will lose their self control and behave very differently. They may also experience mental confusion, poor co-ordination, unable to walk steadily, talk clearly and large amounts can result in vomiting, short time amnesia, double vision and loss of consciousness.

Long term drinking is even more serious. Sustained drinking can increase the chance of damaging their health. This will lead to liver disease (Cirrhosis), ulcers, extreme tremors, heart and digestive system disorders and permanent brain damage of the central nervous system. Recent evidence shown that moderate drinking during pregnancy can cause serious damage to the unborn child, such as physical and mental retardation and malformed organs. (the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)

The probable most reliable treatment for alcoholics is caring for their emotional and physical needs. When they begin to stop drinking, they go through a condition called the withdrawal. At this point they may suffer from convulsions and hallucinations. Withdrawal symptoms may last for several days. Future treatments may include the use of chemicals to decrease the need of alcohol. Prevention of alcoholism in children is possible through the use of psychological testing and examination of the body fluid chemistry and brain wave patterns.
 

• Drink Drive, You?l Be Sorry - In Australia, drink driving is illegal. The alcohol limit is .05. (50mg Alcohol per 100ml of blood)
• Each year, over 1000 died each year because of drink driving. But Australia has a higher chance of being breathalysed than in the rest of the world.
• Liver Disease - This woman's yellow skin colour is due to liver disease. This condition is called Jaundice, an unrepairable damage.
• Cirrhosis - Frequent drinking of 2 standard drinks a day will damage the liver, thus causing liver disease called Cirrhosis. This picture shows the typically scarred and knobbly appearance of 2 human livers is damaged by Cirrhosis. The healthy tissue has disappeared.
• It is recommended that the safe limit is 21 units of Alcohol each week for men and 14 units a week for women.