Alcohol spirits (Lost in Translation ep.1)
lost in translation is a funny take on the challenges of clear communication in science. FOLLOW ALONG AS JARGON AND JUMBLE NAVIGATE THE CONFUSING WORLD OF LINGUISTIC MISCOMMUNICATIONS AND TRY NOT TO GET TOO LOST IN TRANSLATION.
This comic is a collaboration between valeria (drawings & concept) and kenia (dialogues & concept)
ALCOHOL AS A SCIENTIFIC TERM
Alcohol, in a scientific context, refers to a class of chemical compounds that are characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group bonded to a carbon atom. The most commonly known alcohol is ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits, but there are many different types of alcohols with varying chemical structures and properties, most of them toxic for human consumption.
In the scientific and industrial sectors, you can find alcohols being used for various purposes. Some of these include:
- Solvent: Many alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropanol, are commonly used as solvents because they can dissolve many substances.
- Antiseptic: Some alcohols, like ethanol, are used as antiseptics to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
- Preservative: Alcohols like ethanol and propanol are used as preservatives in some products to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Fuel: Alcohols like methanol and ethanol can be used as fuels in vehicles and other equipment.
- Reaction intermediate: Alcohols can also serve as intermediates in chemical reactions, meaning they are involved in converting one substance into another.
- Flavour and fragrance: Some alcohols, such as benzyl alcohol, are used to produce flavours and fragrances.
- Personal care products: Alcohols are often used to produce personal care products, such as hand sanitisers and mouthwashes.