Ethyl alcohol is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid possessing a boiling point of 78.5°C, which is produced by the fermentation of sugars and starches by yeasts. Ethyl Alcohol is chiefly employed as a solvent and in beer, distilled spirits, medicines, and wine. In the context of art, ethyl alcohol is used as a solvent for shellac and mastic. It is a wetting agent and is also used as diluent for fixatives.