What is the Difference Between Acetone and Methylated Spirits?

Acetone and methylated spirits are both organic compounds, but they have different characteristics and uses. The key differences between them include:

• Color and purity: Acetone is a colorless liquid with a high purity, while methylated spirits are a violet-colored solution containing ethanol with 10% methanol and other additives such as dye.
• Composition: Acetone is the simplest ketone and is a pure liquid, whereas methylated spirits have ethanol containing methanol, which is poisonous to drink.
• Solvent properties: Both acetone and methylated spirits can be used as solvents, but they have different applications. Acetone is used to thin polyester resins and dissolve nail polish, two-part epoxies, and super glue. In contrast, methylated spirits are used in various cleaning and degreasing tasks.
• Flammability: Both acetone and methylated spirits are flammable, but the specific fire hazards may vary.

In summary, acetone and methylated spirits are different organic solvents with distinct properties and uses. Acetone is a colorless, pure liquid that is primarily used to thin polyester resins and dissolve certain substances like nail polish. On the other hand, methylated spirits are a violet-colored solution containing ethanol and methanol, which is used for various cleaning and degreasing tasks.

Comparative Table: Acetone vs Methylated Spirits

Here is a table comparing the differences between acetone and methylated spirits:

Acetone is a colorless, high purity, and highly volatile liquid that is the simplest ketone. It is mainly used as a solvent for lacquers, paint removers, and degreasers. On the other hand, methylated spirits are ethanol containing 10% methanol and other additives, giving it a violet color and making it poisonous to drink. It is primarily used as a solvent and denatured with additives. Both acetone and methylated spirits can be used interchangeably in some applications, such as cleaning surfaces and removing sticky residue, but they differ in their uses, odor, water solubility, and evaporation rates.