mineral spirits vs denatured alcohol
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How to Use and Apply the Many Varieties of Solvents
A SOLVENT is a substance, usually liquid, that will dissolve another substance. All do-it-yourselfers buy and use a number of solvents. Some are used for cleaning, others to thin paint, shellac or varnish. Choosing the right solvent can make a job easier; using the wrong one can damage tools or a project.
Turpentine is one of the few solvents not made from petroleum distillates. It is produced by distilling the oleoresins from pine trees. It is also known as spirits of turpentine or simply turps. The best grade is called pure gum spirits of turpentine.
Turpentine has more solvency than mineral spirits. Care should be taken when using it to thin oil- or alkyd-based paints; otherwise the paint could be overthinned, which can cause it to run or drip. Even though turpentine is less toxic than petroleum-based solvents, it can still cause an allergic reaction.
Mineral spirits, also called ”white spirits” (trade names include Varnolene and Texaco spirits), is a petroleum distillate specifically manufactured as a substitute for turpentine. Most painters prefer it as a paint thinner because it costs less, is not so sticky and has a less offensive odor than turpentine. Still, mineral spirits do have an odor that some people may find unpleasant. They may prefer to use odorless paint thinner.
Difference Between Methylated Spirits and Isopropyl Alcohol
The key difference between methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol is that methylated spirit contains ethyl alcohol mixed with methanol and other components, whereas isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcoholic liquid that has no added components.
Methylated spirits are specifically produced by adding different components to ethanol or ethyl alcohol, considering the end uses of this product. This liquid is not suitable for drinking because it contains toxic components such as methanol.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What are Methylated Spirits
3. What is Isopropyl Alcohol
4. Side by Side Comparison – Methylated Spirits vs Isopropyl Alcohol in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What are Methylated Spirits?
Methylated spirits are alcoholic liquids that have been made unfit for drinking by the addition of about 10 per cent methanol. However, these liquids typically contain some pyridine and a violet dye. Methylated spirits are also called as denatured alcohol, meaning, ethyl alcohol mixed with other chemical substances, including chemicals like methanol, methyl isobutyl ketone, and benzene. This liquid is highly toxic due to the addition of toxic substances such as methanol; thus, this liquid is not suitable for human consumption.
Furthermore, methylated spirits are colourless solutions. We can colour these solutions by adding aniline. This colouration is important to easily recognize the methylated spirit. After the addition of aniline, the liquid appears in violet colour. Moreover, the presence of ethyl alcohol and methanol makes methylated spirits toxic, extremely flammable and volatile. Our skin can absorb this liquid due to the presence of methanol. Due to this reason, we cannot use this liquid to make perfumes or bath products. Also, methylated spirit has a bad odour and a poor taste as well.
Methylated spirit is important as solvents, hand sanitizers, cosmetics, and as fuel for heating and lighting, etc. There is a colourless form of this liquid that is important in killing mildew on leather surfaces. In addition, we can use methylated spirit as a solvent for dissolving compounds like glue, wax, and grease. As this liquid does not react with glass, we can also use it for window cleaning. Although it is not good for human consumption, it is still important in cosmetic production due to its antibacterial activity.
What is Isopropyl Alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol or 2-propanol is an alcohol having the molecular formula C3H8O. It has the same molecular formula as propanol. Its molecular weight is around 60 g mol-1. Therefore, we can say that isopropyl is an isomer of propanol. The hydroxyl group of this molecule is attached to the second carbon atom in the carbon chain. This attachment makes it a secondary alcohol. Hence, it undergoes all the reactions typical to a secondary alcohol.
Furthermore, the melting point of isopropyl is -88oC, and the boiling point is 83oC. This liquid is miscible with water and is stable under normal conditions. Isopropyl is a colourless, clear, flammable liquid. Moreover, it oxidizes violently to produce acetone. When considering the applications of this alcohol, it is useful as a solvent and used in pharmaceuticals, household products, and personal care products. We can also use it to make other chemicals.
What is the Difference Between Methylated Spirits and Isopropyl Alcohol?
Methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol are alcoholic liquids. The key difference between methylated spirits and isopropyl is that methylated spirit contains ethyl alcohol mixed with methanol and other components, whereas isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcoholic liquid that has no added components. Methylated spirit is usually violet in colour due to the addition of aniline while isopropyl alcohol is colourless. So, this is another difference between methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol.
Below tabulation lists out more differences between methylated spirits and isopropyl .
Summary – Methylated Spirits vs Isopropyl Alcohol
Methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol are alcoholic liquids. The key difference between methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol is that methylated spirit contains ethyl alcohol mixed with methanol and other components, whereas isopropyl alcohol is a pure alcoholic liquid that has no added components.
methylated spirit vs ethyl alcohol
WHAT IS METHYLATED SPIRIT
Methylated Spirit, also called denatured alcohol, is ethanol that has additives to make it poisonous to discourage recreational consumption. Because of the diversity of industrial uses for denatured alcohol, hundreds of additives and denaturing methods have been used. The main additive has traditionally been 10% methanol, giving rise to the term “methylated spirits”. Other typical additives include isopropyl alcohol (IPA), acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). CAS number depends on denaturant used.
- Synonyms: Denatured alcohol , SDA, Specially denatured alcohol
- INCI: Methylated Spirit
- Chemical Formula: C2H6O
- CAS Number: –
isopropyl
isopropyl , also called 2-propanol, one of the most common members of the alcohol family of organic compounds. chemists at the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey (later Exxon Mobil) first produced it in 1920 while studying petroleum by-products. It is easily synthesized from the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis.
Isopropyl alcohol is easily oxidized to acetone, another important solvent.
Is there a difference between rubbing and isopropyl ?
What is rubbing alcohol? It’s a specific kind of isopropyl used as a cleaning agent and disinfectant. There’s a crucial distinction though; while all rubbing alcohol from is made from isopropyl, not all isopropyl is rubbing alcohol. Today, we’ll be talking about the key differences between the two and the various substitutes you can use in their place.
What is rubbing alcohol in Australia?
Rubbing alcohol refers to a solution made of 70% isopropyl , with the rest made up of mostly water and other chemicals. It’s also referred to as a surgical spirit in the UK, or an ethanol-based liquid in the US. Regardless of the name, rubbing alcohol is always used as an antiseptic and cleaning solution.
You can find rubbing alcohol in every major supermarket: Coles, Bunnings, or Woolworths all sell different brands for different uses. It’s a toxic and flammable substance that’s best kept out of the reach of children.
The different kinds of alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol refers to the chemical isopropanol, used in a wide variety of industrial and commercial solutions. The grade of the solution (usually around 70% to 99%) determines how strong or how weak the alcohol will be. For example, the alcohol used in cleaning electronics is around 90 to 99% pure isopropyl, since it needs to evaporate off the delicate electronics quickly. Check either the Chemist Warehouse or Priceline if you ever need any.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is also known as cleaning alcohol because of its use in removing germs, bacteria, and ingrained dirt. Made from 70% isopropyl, the rest of the solution is mixed with water so it doesn’t evaporate quickly on the skin. It’s the second most common kind of alcohol that we use, with the first being drinking alcohol.
Denatured alcohol
Denatured alcohol is a general purpose alcohol that’s primarily used for commercial applications, like lighting cooking fires outdoors or an alternative form of fuel. Also known as methylated spirits, it’s a poisonous substance made mainly out of ethyl alcohol.
Rubbing alcohol substitutes
While rubbing alcohol contains lower amounts of isopropyl than the ones used in industrial solutions, it can still be quite harsh. If you’re looking for a good cleaning solution or disinfectant and can’t use rubbing alcohol, here are some substitutes:
- Sanitisers: Skin sanitisers are just as effective at killing bacteria and cleaning skin as rubbing alcohol. Some brands are even infused with moisturiser to make it extra gentle on your skin!
- Hydrogen peroxide: for topical or skin applications, hydrogen peroxide can be just as good or even better than rubbing alcohol. It’s inexpensive and gentler on the skin than most commercial alcohol brands and doesn’t sting as much.
Stay clean
Whether you use your alcohol as a disinfectant or as a cleaning solution, knowing exactly what kind of it you’re getting is key to avoiding accidents. If you’re sensitive to rubbing alcohol, there are plenty of substitutes that are more gentle on the skin, so you never have to worry about germs!
