Alcohol Facts by National Draeger
Ethyl alcohol
The alcohol found in alcoholic beverages is known as ethyl alcohol. Other common names include grain alcohol, neutral spirits and ethanol. Its chemical formula, C2H5OH, is shown above. It is a clear, colorless liquid that imparts a burning sensation to the mouth and throat when swallowed. Pure ethanol has a very slight, pleasant odor; the odor commonly associated with an alcoholic beverage usually comes from the raw material used to make the drink or from added flavoring. It is freely miscible (soluble) in water.
Ethyl alcohol has a depressant effect on the body. It is generally harmless when consumed moderately but can be highly poisonous when consumed in quantity.
Ethyl alcohol can be produced both synthetically and by fermentation of sugars. When it is to be consumed as a beverage, legally, it must be produced by sugars. Synthetically produced alcohols, used for industrial purposes, are typically denatured to make them unfit for human consumption. Denaturing involves the addition of a small percentage of unpleasant or poisonous substances. Their removal to make the alcohol fit for human use, would be extremely time consuming and costly. Denatured alcohol is not taxed.
Methyl alcohol
Methyl alcohol is commonly known as wood alcohol since it was formerly made by the destructive distillation of wood. It is presently largely made synthetically. It is also known as methanol. Its chemical formula is CH3OH. Methyl alcohol is a colorless liquid with a wine-like odor and a burning taste. It is used in the manufacture of industrial solvents and chemicals and it's highly poisonous if swallowed or inhaled.
Other alcohols
There are many other types of alcohols used for various purposes. For example, isopropyl alcohol is used as a rubbing base alcohol; butyl alcohol is a base for perfumes and fixatives.
