* Ethanol is a weak acid. While ethanol doesn't readily donate protons (H+), it can act as a very weak acid, meaning it can lose a hydrogen ion in solution to a very small extent.
* pH 9.8 is basic. A pH of 9.8 indicates a basic (alkaline) solution.
* In a basic solution, ethanol will be slightly deprotonated. The hydroxide ions (OH-) present in the basic solution will slightly pull off the hydrogen ion from the ethanol molecule, creating a small amount of ethoxide ions (CH3CH2O-) and a very tiny amount of water.
In summary: While ethanol is a very weak acid, in a basic solution like one with pH 9.8, it will be slightly deprotonated. This means it won't be perfectly neutral, but rather slightly basic.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
