Describe the physical state of ethanol at room temperature and its solubility properties.

At room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit), ethanol exists as a colorless liquid. It has a relatively low boiling point of 78.37 degrees Celsius (173.07 degrees Fahrenheit). Ethanol is highly soluble in water due to its polar nature, forming a homogeneous solution. This solubility arises from the ability of ethanol molecules to establish hydrogen bonds with water molecules. While ethanol is miscible in water, its solubility decreases as the carbon chain length increases, as seen in higher alcohols. Ethanol’s solubility properties make it a versatile solvent in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.