Explanation

Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). Covalent compounds, on the other hand, are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

In ethyl alcohol, the carbon atoms share electrons with the hydrogen atoms and the oxygen atom to form covalent bonds. The carbon-carbon bond, the carbon-hydrogen bonds, and the carbon-oxygen bond are all covalent bonds.

Therefore, ethyl alcohol is a covalent compound.