What is the Difference Between Methylated Spirits and Mineral Turpentine?

Methylated spirits and mineral turpentine are both organic solvents, but they have different compositions and applications. The key differences between them are:

1. Composition: Methylated spirits contain ethyl alcohol mixed with other chemical substances, including methyl isobutyl ketone and benzene. Mineral turpentine, on the other hand, is a mixture of aliphatic, open-chain, or alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds.
2. Solvency: Mineral turpentine is considered to have more solvency than methylated spirits, meaning it has a greater ability to dissolve with other solvents.
3. Toxicity: Methylated spirits are toxic, while mineral turpentine shows fairly low acute toxicity.
4. Color and Miscibility: Methylated spirits are typically violet in color and miscible with water. Mineral turpentine is a clear liquid and insoluble in water due to its hydrocarbon composition.
5. Flammability: Mineral turpentine is highly flammable and can irritate the skin and eyes, making it more dangerous than methylated spirits.

Both solvents are used in various applications, such as thinning oil-based paints, cleaning paintbrushes, and degreasing tools and machinery. However, due to their differences in composition and properties, they may not be used interchangeably in all situations.

Comparative Table: Methylated Spirits vs Mineral Turpentine

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

Methylated spirits are characterized by their violet color and contain ethyl alcohol mixed with other chemical substances such as methyl isobutyl ketone and benzene. They are miscible with water and have a toxic nature. On the other hand, mineral turpentine is a clear liquid that contains a mixture of aliphatic, open-chain, or alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds. It is insoluble in water and has a lower acute toxicity compared to methylated spirits. Mineral turpentine is considered to have more solvency than methylated spirits.