What is the Difference Between Methylated Spirits and Isopropyl Alcohol?

Methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol are both alcoholic liquids, but they have different chemical compositions and uses. The main differences between them are:

Composition: Methylated spirits are predominantly ethanol with added toxic components like methanol, making them unsuitable for consumption. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is a pure alcohol without any added components.
Color: Methylated spirits are usually violet in color due to the addition of aniline, while isopropyl alcohol is typically colorless.
Antibacterial properties: Isopropyl alcohol has powerful antibacterial properties, being able to kill 99.9% of germs. Methylated spirits, due to their toxic components, cannot be used as an antiseptic or disinfectant.
Cleaning: Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent for electronics and surfaces. Methylated spirits are not recommended for cleaning purposes due to their toxic nature.

In summary, methylated spirits are ethanol with added toxic substances, while isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcohol without any additives. Isopropyl alcohol is effective for antiseptic and cleaning purposes, whereas methylated spirits are not suitable for such applications due to their toxic components.

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What is the Difference Between Methylated Spirits and Isopropyl Alcohol?

Comparative Table: Methylated Spirits vs Isopropyl Alcohol

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

Feature	Methylated Spirits	Isopropyl Alcohol
Definition	Methylated spirits are ethyl alcohol mixed with other chemical substances, including methanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, and benzene.	Isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcoholic liquid with no added components.
Chemical Composition	Predominantly ethanol, but contains other toxic substances like methanol and pyridine.	Predominantly isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O).
Purity	Not suitable for drinking because it contains toxic components.	Not suitable for human consumption, but does not contain added denaturants.
Antibacterial Properties	Cannot be used as an antiseptic or disinfectant due to the presence of toxic chemicals.	Has powerful antibacterial properties and can be used as a disinfectant to clean electronic appliances and surfaces.
Cleaning Strength	Not recommended for cleaning purposes due to the presence of other chemicals.	Good at cleaning greasy marks and suitable for various cleaning applications.
Toxicity	Contains toxic chemicals like methanol, which make it unfit for human consumption and dangerous if ingested.	Not as toxic as methylated spirits, but still should be handled with care.

In summary, methylated spirits are ethyl alcohol mixed with other toxic substances, making them unsuitable for drinking and not recommended for cleaning purposes. On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcoholic liquid with powerful antibacterial properties, making it suitable for various cleaning applications and disinfecting surfaces.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.