Alcohol - Slideshow

Types of alcohol

► The most well-known type of alcohol is ethanol, used for alcoholic beverages.

► Methanol, the simplest form of alcohol, is used as a solvent fuel.

► There are also propanol and butanol used for industrial purposes.

► There are, of course, more complex forms of alcohol which have diverse industrial uses.

Ethanol

► Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is colourless, volatile and inflammable.

► It has been used since time immemorial for recreational purposes. Ethanol is most popular for its use in alcoholic beverages.

► Ethanol is also used in thermometers, as antiseptic, as fuel and as a solvent for flavourings, perfumes, medicines and colourings.

Methanol

► Methanol, or methyl alcohol, is the simplest form of alcohol.

► Like ethanol, it is colourless, volatile and inflammable.

► Methanol is popular as fuel, antifreeze (used especially for internal combustion engines), as solvent and in the production of biodiesel.

► As opposed to ethanol, methanol is highly toxic and can cause permanent blindness. In such cases, ethanol can be used as a primary antidote.

Other uses of alcohol

► Alcohol has traditionally been used as a preservative.

► Some alcohols (mostly ethanol and methanol) are especially used as automotive fuel.

► Ethanol (for industrial uses) is often denatured ie mixed with a toxic substance like methanol, to make it undrinkable. It is also sometimes dyed. This is done to meet the strict alcohol regulations in certain countries.

Applications of denatured alcohol

► Denatured alcohol is often used as fuel and solvent. It can also be used as a cleaning aid.

► Certain consumer products, like toothpaste, hand sanitizer and mouthwashes, contain this in small quantities.

► Rubbing alcohol, used primarily for topical application, is also a type of denatured alcohol.

► It's a good disinfectant, germicide and antiseptic. Hence, the name 'surgical spirit'.

► Drinkable alcohol has also been used since prehistoric ages as an anesthetic.