Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol both have a variety of applications in a range of industries. But what is the difference between these alcohols, and is it safe to use them interchangeably?
In chemistry, alcohols are organic compounds where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom. Alcohol comes in many different structures and forms, but today we will only be looking at 2: isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and denatured alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol belong to different alcohol groups. Therefore, they have different structures, formulas, and reactions. These differences are important to be aware of when thinking about their respective uses and whether one can be used instead of the other.
Difference in Structure
Denatured alcohol is classified as a primary alcohol because it is ethanol (CH3CH2OH) that has been treated with denaturants in order to become poisonous and repellent to humans. Primary alcohols are where the carbon atom of the hydroxyl group is only attached to one alkyl group.
Ethanol is a primary alcohol that is used in alcoholic beverages. Denatured alcohol can be made of around 90% pure ethanol and 5% toxic denaturants.
Secondary alcohols are where the carbon atom of the hydroxyl group is attached to 2 alkyl groups. Isopropyl alcohol is the simplest example of a secondary alcohol and is a slightly bigger molecule than ethanol, with the formula C3H8O. Unlike ethanol, IPA is not meant for human consumption – although it has not been treated with denaturants to make it this way.
Isopropyl alcohol is concentrated isopropanol that has been blended with anywhere between 5% and 30% water.
Difference in Toxicity
Although isopropyl alcohol is classified as a toxic substance, meaning that it is dangerous to consume and behaves as a mild skin irritant, it is mostly safe to use. Unlike denatured alcohol, IPA is toxic in itself. It has not had anything but water added to it, and is often used by doctors as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
While isopropyl alcohol is often referred to as a ‘surgical spirit’ because of its use in hospitals and other medical applications, denatured alcohol is referred to as a ‘methylated spirit.’ This sounds the alarm bells when thinking of its toxicity because it indicates that it includes methyl alcohol, also known as methanol.
Denatured alcohol isn’t toxic by nature like IPA – it is made toxic by being treated with poisonous agents like benzene and pyridine. Methanol is the most common chemical used to denature ethanol with, and it is extremely toxic to humans.
Whereas ethanol is metabolised by alcohol dehydrogenase in the body to create acetaldehyde, which is then quickly removed, the same enzyme metabolises methanol into formaldehyde, which is a highly toxic poison. This causes methanol poisoning which can be lethal. In this way, while IPA is a toxic substance and should not be consumed, denatured alcohol is more dangerous when it comes to inhalation and exposure risks. Knowing this difference in toxicity is crucial when trying to identify whether uses of these 2 alcohols should be interchanged.
When Shouldn’t I Use Denatured Alcohol?
Antiseptics
Its antibacterial properties make isopropyl alcohol an excellent antiseptic and disinfectant. As well as an efficient surface cleaner in a range of domestic, medical, and laboratory environments, isopropyl alcohol is also commonly used in hand sanitisers, surgical hand scrubs, and antiseptic solutions. It is a first-aid kit must-have for disinfecting minor cuts and scrapes. While it is a mild skin irritant, doctors still use IPA to swab your skin before an injection. This is because it is efficient at killing any surface bacteria. To read more about how this works, check out our blog on the uses of IPA.
While denatured alcohol can also be used as an effective cleaning agent, it cannot be used on skin as an antiseptic. The main reason for this is its toxicity. By containing methanol, denatured alcohol could cause dermatitis if skin is exposed to it. While IPA does have the propensity to be a skin irritant, this is only in circ*mstances where high concentrations have been left on the skin for long periods of time. Because denatured alcohol contains methanol, along with several other toxic chemicals which you may not be able it identify, it is generally unsafe to use as an antiseptic as it could cause severe reactions and even poisoning.
Electronics
Although denatured alcohol can be used as a cleaning agent, it should not be used in place of isopropyl alcohol when it comes to cleaning electronics. This is because the chemicals that have been added to denatured alcohol could leave behind residues on the sensitive components after the ethanol has evaporated. Comparatively, isopropyl alcohol is mostly pure and its high volatility means that no streaks or residue will be left behind after use.
As well as this, common denaturing agents like methanol, acetone, and pyridine are highly damaging to plastic. Since thin plastic coatings are often used to protect display screens, using denatured alcohol to clean them could cause damage to them after prolonged use.
When Shouldn’t I Use Isopropyl Alcohol?
Sample Preservation
While isopropyl alcohol can be used in many of the same applications as denatured alcohol, there are certain uses that denatured alcohol is more suited towards. In sample preservation, for example, IPA can be used but only in concentrations of 90% which is generally difficult to obtain.
Denatured alcohol is a more effective preserving agent for a few reasons. The presence of ethanol, for example, is able to drive out the water from the sample’s tissue. This makes it a more effective dehydrating agent which is vital in sample preservation. Because isopropyl alcohol is blended with water, it is not as efficient in this regard. To see what other uses denatured alcohol has, head over to one of our previous posts.
Mixing Shellac
Shellac is used in woodwork as a lacquer. A natural resin, carpenters use shellac to give their pieces a lustrous finish, and they often mix the solution themselves to ensure that it is fresh. To do this, shellac flakes are dissolved in denatured alcohol. This creates a sticky substance which can then be easily wiped over the wood.
Denatured alcohol is used because it is extremely high proof. The typical denatured formula consists of 190-proof ethanol, 4% methanol and 1% other denaturants. This high concentration enables the denatured alcohol to dissolve the shellac flakes quickly and effectively. Isopropyl alcohol should not be substituted in this application for several reasons.
The main reason is that IPA is generally found in lower concentrations. The standard solution of 70% wouldn’t be effective as its evaporation rate would be slower, raising the chances of the shellac flakes clumping together and not completely dissolving. Isopropyl alcohol also contains water, which could also cause problems given its slow evaporation rate. Therefore, denatured alcohol shouldn’t be replaced with IPA when mixing shellac for woodwork.
Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol can be alternated in some applications. Both can be used as cleaning agents, and as solvents in a variety of industries. The main difference is that IPA shouldn’t be used in certain applications because it won’t be as effective as denatured alcohol, whereas the latter shouldn’t be used to replace IPA because it is highly toxic and could be dangerous. Both alcohols have their benefits and drawbacks, and are widely used across many industries.
At ReAgent, we sell top grade IPA and denatured alcohol products in a variety of batch sizes. Our chemicals are ISO quality approved and available for next-day delivery. With ReAgent, you get to choose the packaging material, the label design, and even have the option for us to manufacture a bespoke blend for you so that all of your business needs are met at once. Get in touch with our expert team today to see what we can offer you.
Disclaimer
The blog on chemicals.co.uk and everything published on it is provided as an information resource only. The blog, its authors and affiliates accept no responsibility for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from following the information provided on this website.We do not recommend using any chemical without first consulting the Material Safety Data Sheet which can be obtained from the manufacturer and following the safety advice and precautions on the product label.If you are in any doubt about health and safety issues please consult the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol can be alternated in some applications. Both can be used as cleaning agents, and as solvents in a variety of industries.
Use isopropyl alcohol in most of the same applications as denatured alcohol. It is safe for cleaning plastics, metals, anodized windshield repair injectors; as well as all other Delta Kits windshield repair equipment.
In summary, isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol that has not been treated with additives (with the exception of water). Denatured alcohol is primary alcohol mixed with additives to make it unpalatable and, in some cases, even more toxic.
Rubbing alcohol is either an isopropyl alcohol or an ethanol-based liquid, with isopropyl alcohol products being the most widely available. The comparable British Pharmacopoeia (BP) is surgical spirit. Rubbing alcohol is denatured and undrinkable even if it is ethanol-based, due to the bitterants added.
70% denatured alcohol upholds key requirements for use as a bactericidal in clean rooms or medical facilities, but also for general purposes. 70% denatured ethanol mixed with 30% water solutions produce less vapour and odour, therefore reducing risks of toxic fumes or combustion.
Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol can be alternated in some applications. Both can be used as cleaning agents, and as solvents in a variety of industries.
The term 'denatured alcohol' refers to alcohol products adulterated with toxic and/or bad tasting additives (e.g., methanol, benzene, pyridine, castor oil, gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, and acetone), making it unsuitable for human consumption.
Denatured alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have similar uses, but they differ chemically. Denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with toxic or bad tasting additives that make it unsuitable for consumption.
Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap. Rinse the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.
Rubbing alcohol can help remove sticky gunk and also acts as a disinfectant—a big reason why we have it in our medicine cabinet. It is cheap, effective, and multi-purpose, making it very attractive to use. But whatever you do, never use it on your wood furniture.
Grain alcohol – Grain alcohols, such as Everclear and Graves, are often found in your local liquor store. The higher the proof, the more pure it is, so many woodworkers prefer 190-proof grain alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) liquefies the oldest paint. Wet paint thoroughly and cover with plastic to prevent evaporation. Paint will wash off with water after a short time. Latex paint may be removed from clothing by soaking followed by machine washing.
One of the biggest differences between acetone and denatured alcohol is that acetone is a non-toxic, organic, naturally occurring chemical compound, while denatured alcohol is ethanol based and has denaturants added to it, making it poisonous if consumed.
Denatured Alcohol 200 Proof 3C is a highly versatile and effective industrial solvent that is widely used in a variety of applications. It is a type of ethanol that has been denatured or made unfit for human consumption by adding various chemicals, making it unsuitable for use in beverages or other consumable products.
Completely denatured alcohol must be made in accordance with the following formulation: with every 90 parts by volume of alcohol mix 9.5 parts by volume of wood naphtha or a substitute and 0.5 parts by volume of crude pyridine, and to the resulting mixture add mineral naphtha (petroleum oil) in the proportion of 3.75 ...
Rubbing alcohol has an expiration date. The date should be printed directly on the bottle or on the label. Depending on the manufacturer, the expiration date can be 2 to 3 years from the date it was manufactured. Rubbing alcohol expires because isopropanol evaporates when exposed to the air, while the water remains.
The biggest difference between denatured alcohol and mineral spirits is their composition. Denatured alcohol is made from ethanol, which is derived from plants.On the other hand, mineral spirits are made from petroleum, a type of fossil fuel found underground.
It is safe on most painted surfaces, plastics, and elastomers. It leaves no residue, evaporates quickly relative to water, and does not cause corrosion.
Avoid rubbing alcohol on painted, shellacked, lacquered, or varnished surfaces, including treated wood. Certain fabrics: The isopropyl in alcohol can be a great stain treatment on certain fabrics, removing all evidence of difficult stains like ink, grass, grease, or sap.
Yes, you can use isopropyl as rubbing alcohol. It's a great way to clean and disinfect surfaces. You can also apply rubbing alcohol directly to your skin to help cool and soothe irritation.
IPA can also damage some soft plastics. Exposure of some painted plastic surfaces to IPA can lead to fading of the paint color and also cause the formation of very fine cracks in the plastic surface, an effect referred to as crazing.
Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria. The disinfecting power of rubbing alcohol drops at concentrations higher than 80%-85%.
A lower percent alcohol means there's more water diluting the mix in the bottle. But according to microbiology, 70 percent alcohol is probably more effective than 91 percent for disinfecting—depending on what kind of germs you're trying to kill.
70% isopropyl alcohol is by far better at killing bacteria and viruses than 99% isopropyl alcohol. As a disinfectant, 70% concentration of alcohol is the most effective at killing pathogens. Any higher or lower percentage will be less effective.
Alcohol 70 degrees or general antiseptics should only be used to clean infected skin wounds. In contrast, open or deep wounds should not use antiseptics during care. This is because although antiseptics can kill harmful bacteria, they can also damage surrounding healthy tissue.
To help prevent this, people often douse a cut with hydrogen peroxide before applying ointment and bandage. They've been doing it for decades, in fact. But it's a practice that's no longer advised. "Hydrogen peroxide is actually detrimental to wound healing," says Dr.
Rubbing alcohol can damage finished surfaces (ones which are lacquered, varnished or treated) as well as fabrics like acetate or rayon. Do not use it as an antiseptic on wounds or skin conditions. It might be great for sterilising equipment, but it can delay healing and cause skin irritation.
Untreated wood needs to be cleaned before treating the wood with a stain, shellac or paint. Denatured alcohol assists in cleaning the wood after sanding it to prepare it for other projects.
Denatured alcohol is what I've always used to prep wood for final sanding before finishing. Isopropyl alcohol will work, but the water content makes it less effective and it tends to raise the grain a bit more.
If the wood is covered in shellac, denatured alcohol will dissolve it right away; if it is covered in varnish, the alcohol will dissolve it more slowly; if the item is covered in lacquer, apply a commercial chemical stripper instead.
Do not use rubbing alcohol to remove paint peeling off your car. This is because the alcohol solution will damage the surface in addition to removing the paint.
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful solvent that can easily clean away a layer of oil paint. 2. You can erase your work. If you feel like you've made a mistake or don't like the way a layer on your oil painting has come out, don't fret, you can wipe away that layer using alcohol.
91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol in a spritzer bottle to pop bubbles in the paint. You can spray this into the paint cups before pouring, spritz it onto the canvas after pouring, or both. Alcohol also helps to open up the cells in paintings when you're using silicone oil.
The key difference between acetone and IPA is that acetone has a C=O. bond in the middle of the chemical structure, whereas isopropyl alcohol has a C-OH group in the middle of the chemical structure. Despite the differences in structures between acetone and IPA, both are highly soluble.
Paint thinning – Acetone is most commonly used to thin or remove paint from various surfaces in addition to be able to thin and remove lacquers and resins. Plastics – When cleaning plastics, alcohol is the best choice to effectively clean and disinfect without damaging or breaking down the plastic.
Denatured alcohol can contain 70-99% ethyl alcohol and is most often denaturized with at least 5% methanol. Unfit to drink, denatured ethanol is exempt from federal alcohol excise taxes for approved end-uses.
Denatured ethanol (either 95% or absolute) contains additives (such as methanol and isopropanol) that render it unsafe to drink and therefore exempt from certain beverage taxes. This makes it cheaper than pure ethanol. Of all the ethanol grades, this is the one you're most likely to use for disinfection in your lab.
Pure Undenatured Ethanol: Pure Ethanol is Ethyl Alcohol with no other additives or denaturants. Pure Ethanol is often referred to as pure alcohol even though the term "pure" can refer to any proof.
Denatured alcohol is identified on the product label. Some countries require dyeing denatured alcohol, usually blue or purple using an aniline dye or methyl violet. This clearly identifies the product as unsafe to drink.
One of the most common uses of denatured alcohol is as a cleaning agent. Denatured alcohol can remove dirt, grease, glue, wax, and other types of grime from a variety of hard surfaces, such as wood, glass, and plastic. Denatured alcohol can be utilized to fuel small camping stoves and oil heaters.
It is known as denaturation of alcohol.” Thus, in order to denature alcohol, some substances are added to commercial alcohol such as Copper sulfate CuSO 4 and Pyridine C 5 H 5 N . Alcohol is supplied at concessional rates to industries. It is therefore made unfit for drinking purposes to prevent its misuse.
Isopropyl alcohol refers to an isomer of 1-propanol that is a colorless liquid with strong disinfectant properties and is widely used as an antiseptic. It is also used to clean corrosion-induced rust deposits from metallic surfaces.
Antiseptics such as rubbing alcohol and hydrogen/carbamide peroxide can also help remove wax, but be very careful with these because they can have harsh side effects.
While acetone is not the same as denatured alcohol, they are used in some of the same processes. Both solvents can be used in the production of plastics, cleaning, degreasing, and as an additive for fuel. While there is overlap some, there are industries or uses exclusive to either acetone or denatured alcohol.
As regulations evolve, finding this solvent is going to require some creativity. Denatured alcohol, a staple in most woodworking shops, is changing. Due to new regulations—particularly those in California—it's nearly impossible for some woodworkers to buy denatured alcohol.
Denatured alcohol is used for thinning shellac and cleaning brushes used to apply shellac. It can also be used to remove light pencil marks on wood. Lacquer thinner is a blended mixture of two or more solvents. Acetone, amyl or ethyl acetate, keotone and toluene are common ingredients in lacquer thinners.
IPA is more volatile than acetone and dries quickly, making it suitable for rinsing. Acetone, on the other hand, usually used to wipe down machines and parts.
No dangerous reactions nor dangerous phenomena will occur. The mixture, a solution to be more precise, will retain at least qualitatively the properties of the two components, eg will be a disinfectant, a flammable liquid, a solvent, and so on.
Denatured alcohol assists in cleaning the wood after sanding it to prepare it for other projects. Wear protective gloves and treat the wood outside in a dry area. Use a lint-free cloth and wipe the wood with undiluted denatured alcohol. The denatured alcohol will dry quickly and clean the wood.
Denatured alcohol is not food grade alcohol. Why use food grade alcohol over denatured alcohol? Food grade ethanol is a powerful natural human-safe solvent, useful for lots of food safe applications that may come in contact with people.
Denatured alcohol (called methyl hydrate in Canada; methylated spirits or meths in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom; wood spirit; and denatured rectified spirit) is ethanol that has additives to make it poisonous, bad-tasting, foul-smelling, or nauseating to discourage its ...
Alternatives may be grain alcohol (Everclear here in the states) and absolute isopropyl alcohol which has not been watered down to become 'rubbing alcohol.
No – isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same thing. Isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol and is a colorless liquid with a musty, sharp odor. There are no other ingredients in a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. By contrast, rubbing alcohol contains isopropyl alcohol among other ingredients, such as water.
Denatured alcohol can contain 70-99% ethyl alcohol and is most often denaturized with at least 5% methanol. Unfit to drink, denatured ethanol is exempt from federal alcohol excise taxes for approved end-uses.
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