Alcohol is a clear liquid that causes intoxication. It is a type of organic compound. Rectified spirit and methylated spirit are two forms of alcohol.
What is the difference between rectified spirit and methylated spirit? Rectified spirit is a purer form of alcohol, while methylated spirit is a denatured version of rectified spirit and is poisonous.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Rectified Spirit
– Definition, Features, Use
2. What is Methylated Spirit
– Definition, Features, Use
3. Similarities Between Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Denatured Alcohol, Meths, Methylated Spirit, Natural Spirit, Rectified Alcohol, Rectified Spirit
What is Rectified Spirit
Rectified spirit, also called natural spirit or rectified alcohol, is made from fermented grains or molasses. It undergoes a rigorous process called rectification, essentially repeated distillation, to become a highly concentrated form of ethanol. This process removes impurities and unwanted compounds. The result is a liquid typically containing around 95.6% ethanol by volume.
The high alcohol content makes rectified spirit to be used in many applications. It acts as a medical disinfectant due to its germ-killing properties. It is also used in extracting flavors from food ingredients. Rectified spirit is a powerful solvent. It helps dissolve paints, varnishes, and other resins, making it useful in manufacturing processes.
Rectified spirit forms the base for many alcoholic drinks. After careful dilution, processing, and sometimes flavoring, it transforms into vodka, gin, and even some whiskeys.
What is Methylated Spirit
Methylated spirits are also known as meths or denatured alcohol. They are clear, colorless liquid derived from alcohol that has been altered, or “denatured,” to make it unpalatable and poisonous for human consumption. This condition is achieved by adding methanol and other substances such as Bitrex, which gives a bitter taste. Hence, methylated spirits are not suitable to drink.
There are many uses of methylated spirit. It is used in cleaning tasks as it can be used in removing stubborn stains, grease, and paint. It is also useful as a disinfectant. Therefore, it helps in sterilizing some surfaces and tools. But it is not a replacement for proper medical-grade disinfectants. Moreover, people should handle methylated spirits carefully.
Similarities Between Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
- They contain ethanol (ethyl alcohol) as their main component.
- Both rectified and methylated spirits act as good solvents.
Difference Between Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
Definition
- Rectified spirit refers to a purer form of alcohol made from fermented grains or molasses, whereas methylated spirits refers to a clear, colorless liquid derived from alcohol that has been altered, or “denatured,” to make it unpalatable and poisonous for human consumption.
Ethanol Content
- Rectified spirit has a high concentration (usually 95-96% ethanol), while methylated spirit has a lower ethanol concentration (typically 10-50% ethanol).
Additives
- Rectified spirit has no additives, and it is pure ethanol. Methylated spirits, on the other hand, contain additives.
Toxicity
- Rectified spirits can be toxic if consumed due to high ethanol content, but they are not denatured for this specific purpose. Meanwhile, methylated spirits are poisonous and unfit for drinking due to added denaturants.
Smell
- Rectified spirits have a faint alcoholic odor, while methylated spirits have a strong, unpleasant odor due to denaturants.
Conclusion
Rectified spirit and methylated spirit are types of alcohols. Rectified spirit is pure ethanol, reaching up to 96% concentration, while methylated spirit is a denatured version of rectified spirit. This is the basic difference between rectified spirit and methylated spirit.
FAQ: Rectified Spirit and Methylated Spirit
1. What is a rectified spirit used for?
Rectified spirit, a high-purity alcohol, has many uses. It is useful in making gin, vodka, and liqueurs, and it acts as a solvent in medicines, perfumes, and cleaning products.
2. What is stronger than methylated spirits?
There are several solvents stronger than methylated spirits. Two such solvents are mineral turpentine and turpentine.
3. Is it safe to drink from a rectified spirit?
No, rectified spirit is not safe to drink. While it’s pure ethanol like liquor, it’s very high-proof (often 95%+) and can cause alcohol poisoning quickly.
4. Why is methyl alcohol mixed with rectified spirit?
Methyl alcohol, also called methanol, isn’t mixed with rectified spirit to make it stronger. Instead, it’s added to create denatured alcohol, which is poisonous and unpleasant, to discourage drinking rectified spirit, which is pure ethanol.
5. What is methylated spirit used for?
Methylated spirit disinfects surfaces, cleans glass and windows, and acts as a solvent for paints and varnishes. It is also used as fuel.
6. Can methylated spirits remove paint?
Yes, methylated spirits can remove some paint. It works well on latex-based paints, softening them for scraping off.
Reference:
1. “Methylated Spirit.” Science Direct.
2. “Rectified Spirit.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Denatured Alcohol” By Dluuc – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Spirytus” By Zil – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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