The freezing point of alcohol, that is, the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid or “freezes,” depends on the type of alcohol and the atmospheric pressure. The melting point of ethanol, or ethyl alcohol (C 2 H 6 O), is −114 degrees Celsius, or 159 Kelvin. The freezing point of methanol or methyl alcohol (CH 3 OH) is −97.6 degrees Celsius or 175.6 Kelvin. These solidification temperature values correspond to a pressure of one atmosphere at sea level; they will have slight variations when changing the pressure.
If the alcohol is mixed with water the solidification point will be higher. Alcoholic beverages have a solidification point intermediate between the melting point of water (zero degrees Celsius) and that of pure ethanol. Most alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer, contain more water than alcohol, so the freezing point will be closer to that of water, and they will freeze when placed in the freezer of a domestic refrigerator. High-proof spirits, such as vodka or whiskey, have a higher alcohol content, typically 40-50% for vodka and whiskey, so they won’t solidify in a refrigerator freezer. domestic but at much lower temperatures.
Fountain
Klaus Weissermel, Hans-Jurgen Arpe. Industrial organic chemistry . Reverse, 1981.
