What happens to alcohol when water is present in gasoline?

When water is present in gasoline, alcohol tends to separate from the gasoline because alcohol has a higher affinity for water compared to gasoline. This phenomenon occurs due to the hydrophilic nature of alcohol, which means that it attracts and bonds with water molecules. In the presence of water, the alcohol can create a separate phase rather than remaining uniformly mixed with the gasoline. This separation can lead to various issues, including phase separation, which can affect engine performance and fuel delivery.

Given this understanding, the situation illustrates the challenges of using alcohol-blended fuels, especially when moisture is introduced. It is essential to manage water content in fuels to prevent operational problems in small engines and ensure optimal performance.