Ethanol is another term for ethyl alcohol. In addition to its role as intoxicant, the chemical also has potentially desirable properties as a fuel for automobiles because it burns cleanly and can be made from renewable resources such as sugar cane or corn. Ethanol can also be used as an additive to gasoline, and some claim that this oxygenated product reduces air pollution. Indeed, several governments have adopted subsidies for producers of ethanol.