Ethanol autoignition temperature

The autoignition temperature of ethanol is significantly higher than that of gasoline or diesel fuel. This should make ethanol less susceptible to ignition when spilled on hot surfaces such as engine exhaust manifolds. 

F]), cyclohexane (245 C [473°F]), re-pentane (260°C [500°F]), ethanol (365°C [689°F]), methanol (385 C [725 F]), and isopropanol (399°C [750 F]). Table IX.l provides flash point and autoignition temperature data for some common flammable compounds. The flammability data for these compounds, as well as those of other flammable and combustible substances, are presented throughout this book. 

Ethyl Acetate An ethyl ester of acetic acid, CH3CO2CH2CH3. A colorless, fragrant, flammable liquid (autoignition temperature, 426°C). Toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Derived by catalytic esterification of acetic acid with ethanol. Used as solvent in... 

The series of alcohols in Table 5.1.2.3—methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol—illustrates the relationship between molecular structure and chemical properties. Among these four alcohols, the boiling points, autoignition temperatures, and flash points increase while vapor pressures decrease, as the molecular weights of these compounds increase within this chemical class with the same functional groups (alcohol or —OH). In this series the vapor pressure decreases with increasing molecular weight. 

The engine was the first to incorporate compression ignition of alcohols (7). Low cetane fuels can autoignite, however, provided the in-cylinder temperature is high enough and fuel injection correcdy timed. This compression ignition works for methanol as well as ethanol and gasoline. 

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