Denatured Alcohol vs Isopropyl Alcohol | Detailed Explanation

Denatured alcohol vs isopropyl alcohol, the former often causes alcohol poisoning incidents and is used by unscrupulous merchants as a substitute for alcohol, but it is toxic. The latter may seem unfamiliar, but in fact, we often see it in disinfectants. What are the differences between them? Let’s explore the truth.

Introduction of Denatured Alcohol vs Isopropyl Alcohol

1.Denatured Alcohol

The purity of denatured alcohol is generally above 95%, mainly produced by fermentation and chemical synthesis methods, which contain a certain amount of impurities such as methanol, aldehydes, organic acids, etc., greatly increasing its toxicity. Industrial alcohol cannot be used for disinfection of the human body because methanol can cause poisoning, and some parts of it can be absorbed by the skin when used for skin disinfection. Severe poisoning can lead to blindness or even death.

The fermentation method uses starch materials such as corn and cassava, or sugar materials such as honey, as well as fiber materials such as sawdust, through a series of brewing processes such as hydrolysis and fermentation, to convert the starch into fermentable sugar, which is then fermented under the action of microorganisms to produce alcohol. After multiple evaporations, these alcohols reach a concentration of 95% ethanol, which can meet the needs of industrial production.

The main method of chemical synthesis is ethylene hydration. Extracting from petroleum coal, the ethylene hydration method utilizes a chemical reaction between ethylene and water under the action of a catalyst to produce industrial alcohol.

2.Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is an organic compound, a colorless flammable liquid with an odor similar to a mixture of ethanol and acetone. It is soluble in water and can also be dissolved in most organic solvents such as alcohols and ethers. It is an important chemical product and raw material, mainly used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, spices, etc.

It is commonly found in disinfectants in Europe and America. It is widely used in the fields of pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and daily life, and has high aseptic properties. It has a strong disinfection effect and can quickly and effectively kill various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Due to the presence of two methyl groups in the molecule of isopropanol, its permeability is strong and it is easier to penetrate the interior of microorganisms, further enhancing its bactericidal ability.

Unlike other toxic alcohols, consuming it does not cause significant metabolic acidosis. Patients who consume it may experience drunken symptoms similar to ethanol poisoning. It has obvious gastrointestinal irritation and can cause vomiting and hemorrhagic gastritis. Excessive intake can lead to vasodilation and hypotension. It can cause inhibition of the central nervous system.

Denatured Alcohol vs Isopropyl Alcohol

Although both are commonly used organic compounds in industry, there are certain differences in preparation methods, chemical composition, physical properties, and application fields.

Firstly, in terms of production materials and preparation methods, the former is generally made from high-sugar crops such as starch and corn through fermentation technology. The production raw material for the latter is generally propylene, which is produced through a catalytic hydrogenation reaction. Secondly, in terms of chemical composition, the latter has an additional methyl group compared to denatured alcohol, and its molecular structure is also different. Thirdly, in terms of chemical properties, the former has a boiling point of 78 ℃, while the latter has a boiling point of 82 ℃. Although the latter has a higher boiling point and is not easily soluble in water, it is more prone to spontaneous combustion and detonation, with a lower safety factor. Finally, in terms of application fields, although both substances can be used as solvents, the latter has more limited uses and is mainly used in fields such as pharmaceuticals and dyes.

Conclusion

To sum up, denatured alcohol vs isopropyl alcohol overlap in their usage areas but differ more. Denaturated alcohol is often mixed into drinking alcohol, please be careful to distinguish to avoid poisoning. When using isopropyl alcohol, be sure to check if it has expired, and also carefully check if there is any isopropyl alcohol that has expired for a long time in the laboratory. If a solid is found in the bottle, do not dispose of it casually, as it is highly likely to be the high explosive TATP. This explosive only requires 1 gram and can break an adult’s finger.