Ethanol. Computer-generated molecular model of ethanol (CH3.CH2.OH), a type of alcohol. Alcohols comprise a carbon (black) and hydrogen (white) chain with a hydroxyl group (OH). The oxygen atom is red. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is produced by the fermentation of sugar by yeast in alcoholic drinks. It is manufactured for use as a fuel, and as a solvent in industry and in laboratories.