As an expert in the field of chemical engineering with a focus on fuel technologies, I can provide a comprehensive comparison between ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol and gasoline are both used as fuels, but they have distinct properties and effects on engines and the environment.

Composition:
Gasoline is a _petroleum product_, a byproduct of crude oil refining. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes and cycloalkanes, with varying chain lengths. Gasoline's composition can be adjusted to meet specific requirements for different types of engines.

Ethanol, on the other hand, is an _agricultural product_, produced by fermenting sugars from crops like corn, sugarcane, or even cellulose from plants. It is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH.

Energy Content:
Gasoline has a higher _energy density_ than ethanol. This means that for the same volume, gasoline contains more energy than ethanol. As a result, vehicles running on pure gasoline can travel further on a full tank compared to those running on pure ethanol.

Environmental Impact:
Ethanol is considered to be more environmentally friendly than gasoline. It _emits fewer pollutants_ when burned, contributing less to air pollution and smog. Additionally, since it is derived from plants, which absorb CO2 as they grow, ethanol is often touted as a _renewable resource_ with a more sustainable carbon footprint.

Engine Performance:
While ethanol has been reported to be similar to gasoline in terms of _acceleration_, _power_, and _cruising ability_, it does have some drawbacks. The _miles per gallon (MPG)_ for ethanol are generally lower than for gasoline. This is partly due to its lower energy density. Furthermore, ethanol can absorb moisture, which can lead to corrosion in engine parts, although modern vehicles are designed to handle blends of ethanol and gasoline.

Fuel System Compatibility:
Gasoline is compatible with the vast majority of internal combustion engines designed over the past century. Ethanol, however, can cause issues in older engines not designed to run on it. It is also more _hygroscopic_ (attracts water), which can lead to problems with water contamination in the fuel system.

Infrastructure:
The _infrastructure_ for gasoline is well-established, with a vast network of fuel stations and a long history of use. Ethanol, while growing in popularity, has a less extensive infrastructure. This can make it more challenging to find E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) or other high-ethanol blends at fuel stations, particularly outside of regions where ethanol is more commonly used.

Economic Considerations:
The price of ethanol can be more volatile than that of gasoline due to factors such as crop yields and government subsidies. However, it can also be a _stimulus for the agricultural sector_, providing an additional market for crops.

Blending:
When ethanol and gasoline are blended, such as in E85, the blend can offer some benefits over pure gasoline, such as reduced emissions. However, as mentioned earlier, the blend is less powerful and may result in lower fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, while both ethanol and gasoline serve as transportation fuels, they differ significantly in their composition, energy content, environmental impact, engine performance, compatibility with fuel systems, infrastructure, and economic considerations. The choice between the two often depends on a combination of factors including vehicle compatibility, availability, and personal or societal goals regarding sustainability and environmental protection.

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Blending ethanol and gasoline at a ratio of 85 percent to 15 percent (E85), the blended fuel is nearly thirty percent less powerful than pure gasoline. Ethanol is similar in acceleration, power, and cruising ability, but ethanol miles per gallon are less than pure gasoline.Mar 31, 2014read more >>