Questions: What concentration of ethanol is considered optimum for disinfectant? Why not 100%?

What concentration of ethanol is considered optimum for disinfectant? Why not 100%?
Transcript text: What concentration of ethanol is considered optimum for disinfectant? Why not 100%?
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Solution

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Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Optimum Concentration of Ethanol for Disinfectants

The optimum concentration of ethanol for use as a disinfectant is typically around 70%. This concentration is widely used in healthcare and laboratory settings for its effectiveness in killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Step 2: Explanation of Why 100% Ethanol is Not Used

100% ethanol is not considered optimal for disinfection because it evaporates too quickly, reducing the contact time with microorganisms. Additionally, pure ethanol can cause the denaturation of proteins on the surface of microorganisms, forming a protective shell that prevents further penetration and killing of the organism. A 70% ethanol solution contains water, which slows evaporation and enhances penetration, allowing for more effective microbial killing.

Final Answer

The optimum concentration of ethanol for disinfectant use is \(\boxed{70\%}\). 100% ethanol is not used because it evaporates too quickly and can form a protective shell around microorganisms, reducing its effectiveness.

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