Absolute ethanol, also known as anhydrous ethanol, is a type of alcohol that is free of water and other impurities. It is a highly flammable and volatile liquid with a chemical formula of C2H5OH.

Absolute ethanol is typically produced by distilling regular ethanol, which contains a small amount of water. The distillation process removes the water, resulting in a pure form of ethanol that is at least 99.5% alcohol by volume.

Due to its high purity, absolute ethanol is commonly used in laboratory and industrial settings as a solvent for various chemicals, including those that are water-sensitive. It can also be used as a fuel and as a preservative for biological samples.

However, it is important to note that absolute ethanol is extremely hazardous and should be handled with care. It is highly flammable and can cause serious health effects if ingested or inhaled. Protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respirators are typically required when working with absolute ethanol.