Ethanol is primarily produced through a process called fermentation. This is a biological method where yeasts convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
The fermentation process typically involves feeding yeast with carbohydrates, usually derived from crops like corn, sugarcane, or wheat. The yeast metabolizes the sugars, transforming them into ethanol and producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This process not only produces alcohol but also plays a key role in the production of various alcoholic beverages and biofuels.
In addition to traditional fermentation, ethanol can also be produced through chemical processes such as hydration of ethylene. However, for most applications, including beverages and fuel, the fermentation method is the most widely used.