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.