Question

What is denatured alcohol? Why is it made?

Short answer

Denatured alcohol is ethanol with additives to deter consumption, making it safe from beverage taxes for industrial use.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Denatured Alcohol

Denatured alcohol, also known as methylated spirits, is ethanol that has additives to make it poisonous, bad-tasting, foul-smelling, or nauseating, to discourage recreational consumption.

Purpose of Denaturing

The main purpose of denatured alcohol is to discourage its consumption as an alcoholic beverage. By making it unpalatable or harmful if ingested, it is safe from abuse and can be exempt from alcoholic beverage taxes.

Use Cases of Denatured Alcohol

Despite being unfit for drinking, denatured alcohol can be used for various industrial and household purposes such as cleaning, as a solvent, in fuel, and in chemical synthesis.

Key concepts

Ethanol

Ethanol is a type of alcohol commonly used in beverages, as well as for industrial and chemical purposes. It is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid that serves as the intoxicating ingredient in alcoholic drinks. Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts and can also be synthesized industrially. Due to its effectiveness as a solvent, it is widely used in industrial applications. Ethanol is also used as a base for making denatured alcohol, which has been modified to prevent consumption.

Additives

Additives are substances added to ethanol to create denatured alcohol. These additives are specifically chosen to render the ethanol unfit for human consumption. There are a variety of chemicals that can serve as additives, each designed to make the ethanol unpleasant in taste or smell, or even toxic.

• Denatonium benzoate: Known as one of the bitterest compounds, used to deter tasting.
• Methanol: Added to make the mixture more toxic.
• Benzene and isopropanol: Used for their unpleasant odors.

By adding these substances, the alcohol can no longer be consumed recreationally, which also allows it to be exempt from certain taxations.

Industrial Uses

Denatured alcohol has various industrial uses, due to its properties as a solvent and its lower cost compared to pure ethanol. It is used as a cleaning agent and solvent in both household and industrial settings.
In addition, denatured alcohol serves as:

• A fuel for small camping stoves and other equipment due to its flammability.
• A solvent in the production of lacquers and varnishes, making it popular in woodworking.
• An essential ingredient in the synthesis of certain chemicals, which are used in manufacturing products like inks and dyes.

These uses allow for a wide range of applications, while ensuring the alcohol cannot be used improperly for drinking.

Chemical Safety

Handling denatured alcohol requires knowledge of chemical safety practices. The additives in denatured alcohol, though useful for deterring consumption, can be harmful upon improper exposure.
Here are a few key safety measures to consider:

• Always use in well-ventilated areas to prevent inhalation of volatile fumes.
• Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles to avoid skin and eye irritation.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from open flames and heat sources, due to its flammability.
• Clearly label containers to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

By following these safety practices, the risk associated with handling denatured alcohol can be minimized, ensuring its use remains safe and effective.