Alcohol is one of the most common chemical solvents in daily life. It is an organic compound with at least one hydroxyl functional group (- OH) combined with saturated carbon atoms. Then, according to the number of carbon atoms connected to carbon atoms with hydroxyl functional groups, they are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary. There are three kinds of chemical solvents commonly used in daily life. For example; Methanol (primary alcohol), ethanol (primary alcohol) and isopropanol (secondary alcohol).
Methanol
Methanol, also called methanol in other names, is a chemical with the chemical formula CH3OH. It is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a unique alcohol smell similar to ethanol. Methanol is often used as solvent, antifreeze, formaldehyde and fuel additive in the laboratory. In addition, because of its miscibility, it is also used as paint thinner. However, methanol is a carcinogenic and toxic alcohol. If inhaled or swallowed, it will cause permanent neurological dysfunction and death.
Ethanol
Ethanol, also known as ethanol or grain alcohol, is a compound, a simple alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a slight characteristic smell, usually in the form of alcoholic beverages, such as wine or beer. Ethanol can be safely consumed, but please avoid excessive consumption because of its addiction. Ethanol is also used as an organic solvent, an essential component of dye and pigment products, cosmetics and synthetic drugs.
Isopropyl alcohol
Isopropanol, commonly known as isopropanol or 2-propanol or external alcohol, with the chemical formula C3H8O or C3H7OH, is a colorless, flammable and strong smelling compound, mainly used as a solvent in preservatives, disinfectants and detergents. This type of alcohol is also used as the main component of external alcohol and hand sanitizers. It is volatile and will leave a cool feeling when directly used on bare skin. Although it is safe to use on the skin, isopropanol, unlike ethanol, is not safe because it is toxic and can cause organ damage if inhaled or swallowed.
Post time: Sep-19-2022