Hand Sanitizer To Alcohol: Distilling With Salt

There are various methods to distill alcohol from hand sanitizer, one of which involves using salt to separate the alcohol from the rest of the ingredients. This process involves adding a teaspoon of salt to 4 ounces of hand sanitizer, causing the thickening agent to separate and leaving mostly pure ethanol floating on top. The ethanol can then be collected and filtered with a coffee filter. However, it is important to note that hand sanitizer contains 62% ethyl alcohol, and ingesting it can lead to severe internal damage and alcohol poisoning. Poison control centers have reported cases of teenagers getting drunk by consuming hand sanitizer, and it is not recommended to ingest hand sanitizer or the distilled alcohol from it.

The dangers of drinking hand sanitizer

While it may be possible to distill alcohol from hand sanitizer with salt, it is imperative to understand the dangers associated with drinking hand sanitizer. Firstly, hand sanitizers are specifically designed for external use and should never be ingested. The high concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizers, typically in the form of ethanol or isopropanol, acts as a disinfectant to kill pathogens effectively. However, when ingested, it can trigger a sharp increase in blood alcohol levels, leading to alcohol poisoning, even from a small amount. This can cause serious symptoms and be life-threatening.

The human body processes ingested alcohol differently from alcohol applied topically to the skin. Drinking hand sanitizer has been associated with toxic effects on the central nervous system and vital organs, potentially causing long-lasting damage or even death. Additionally, the high alcohol content in hand sanitizers can pose a risk of addiction if consumed regularly. The addictive nature of alcohol, coupled with the misconception that hand sanitizers can induce euphoria or intoxication, can lead to a dangerous cycle of tolerance, dependence, and alcohol use disorder.

Furthermore, hand sanitizers may contain other harmful substances such as methanol, which is a toxic alcohol used for industrial purposes. While a small ingestion of methanol may not cause immediate symptoms, it can lead to permanent blindness and even death due to severe changes in body chemistry during metabolism. In March 2021, benzene, a chemical known to cause leukemia, was also detected in several hand sanitizer brands. Consuming contaminated hand sanitizers can have severe health consequences.

It is also important to note that hand sanitizers are not a substitute for proper handwashing in all cases. For instance, norovirus, a common cause of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, cannot be effectively eliminated by hand sanitizers, and handwashing with soap and water remains the best prevention method. Additionally, the alcohols in hand sanitizers may harm tissues and delay healing when applied to open wounds. Therefore, it is crucial to use hand sanitizers as directed and never ingest them, as the potential health risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Using salt to separate the alcohol

Salt can be used to separate alcohol from hand sanitiser. The process involves adding a lot of salt to the hand sanitiser gel, which causes the thickener to stop working and separate out. This results in a dense plug of water and gel at the bottom and mostly pure ethanol floating on top. The salt increases the boiling point of water, resulting in a 65% alcohol and 35% water mixture. The salt competes with the alcohol for space around the water molecules, eventually causing the alcohol to crash out of the solution. The brine will sink to the bottom, while the organic layer, or ethanol, will remain on top for collection. This can then be filtered using a coffee filter to obtain almost pure alcohol.

It is important to note that the resulting alcohol is much stronger than regular alcohol, typically ranging from 60-70% alcohol content. Ingesting hand sanitiser or the extracted alcohol can lead to severe internal damage, including alcohol poisoning, and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, blue-tinged or pale skin, low body temperature, and unconsciousness.

While salt can be used to separate the alcohol, distillation is often mentioned as a necessary secondary step to further purify the alcohol. However, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when attempting distillation as alcohol is flammable, and a heat source will be required throughout the process.

Additionally, it is worth noting that hand sanitiser is not made from drinking-grade ethanol and may contain harmful additives. Even if the hand sanitiser contains only ethanol and food-safe substances, ingesting it is still unsafe due to the high alcohol concentration. Therefore, it is strongly advised against consuming hand sanitiser or attempting to extract and consume the alcohol from it.

The distillation process

Distilling alcohol from hand sanitizer is a dangerous process and should not be attempted. Ingesting hand sanitizer can cause severe internal damage and alcohol poisoning.

If you are still interested in the distillation process, it involves adding salt to the hand sanitizer, which increases the concentration of salt, and the salt's ionic components compete with the alcohol for space around the water molecules. Eventually, the salt outcompetes the alcohol, causing it to separate from the solution. The brine will sink to the bottom, while the organic layer, which is mostly ethanol, will remain on top and can be collected.

It is important to note that this process may not result in pure ethanol, as hand sanitizers can contain additional ingredients such as thickeners and perfumes. These impurities can be removed through a secondary distillation process or by using a coffee filter.

Additionally, it is crucial to exercise extreme caution when working with a heat source and flammable substances like alcohol.

The chemistry behind adding salt

The addition of salt increases the boiling point of water, and after distillation, the hand sanitizer mixture typically consists of 65% alcohol and 35% water. Salt also disrupts the function of the thickening agent in hand sanitizer, causing it to separate. This separation results in a dense plug of water and gel at the bottom, with relatively pure ethanol floating above it.

The effectiveness of salt in separating alcohol from hand sanitizer is influenced by the presence of isopropanol in addition to ethanol. Distinguishing between these two alcohols through distillation can be challenging due to their similar boiling points. Isopropanol can be separated from an aqueous solution using a technique called ""salting-out extraction," where salt is added to decrease the solubility of isopropanol in water, facilitating its removal.

It is worth noting that the distillation process may not yield completely pure alcohol, and further purification steps may be required. Additionally, the potential risks associated with consuming distilled alcohol from hand sanitizer should be considered. The presence of additives, such as denatonium benzoate, can make the end product unpalatable or even harmful.

While salt can effectively separate alcohol from hand sanitizer, the process may not result in pure alcohol suitable for consumption. The chemistry behind this process highlights the competitive interaction between salt and alcohol in water, leading to the separation of the organic layer. However, the presence of additional ingredients in hand sanitizer and the potential health hazards of consuming distilled alcohol from this source are important considerations.

The equipment needed for distillation

Distilling alcohol from hand sanitiser is a process that requires special equipment and expertise. It can be dangerous, so it is important to take all the necessary safety measures before beginning. Ensure that the area is well-ventilated to prevent the accumulation of hazardous fumes and always wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator mask. Keep flammable materials away from the distillation area.

The distillation process requires a heat source, an airtight container, and a condenser. A propane burner is a common and affordable option for the heat source, while a copper condenser is typically used to cool and collect the liquid. Other equipment includes a distilling pot, a collection vessel, and food-grade ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure that all equipment is properly cleaned and sterilised before use to prevent contamination, which can lead to failed distillation or off-flavours.

You will also need large containers to hold the distilled alcohol and a thermometer to monitor temperatures during the process. Access to high-proof alcohol, such as Everclear or vodka, is necessary, and the hand sanitiser should contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol. Additionally, you will need salt, a filter (such as a cheesecloth or coffee filter), and a funnel, spigot, or hose for transferring the distilled liquid.

Before beginning the distillation process, prepare your equipment by connecting all components securely and ensuring airtight seals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for any specific guidelines. It is important to note that distillation of alcohol may be illegal in some locations, so check local laws and regulations.

Frequently asked questions