Arielle Cruz
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It is also used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and solvent. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as rubbing alcohol and is used in hand sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and detergents. Both types of alcohol are effective at killing germs, but they differ in their chemical structures and toxicity. While ethyl alcohol is drinkable, isopropyl alcohol is toxic when ingested.
Isopropyl Alcohol vs Ethanol
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure | Isopropyl alcohol: C3H7OH. One more carbon and two more hydrogen molecules than ethanol. |
| Ethanol: C2H5OH | |
| Common Uses | Isopropyl alcohol: antiseptic, disinfectant, lotions, cosmetics, face washes, hand sanitizers. |
| Ethanol: antiseptic, disinfectant, alcoholic beverages, hand sanitizers. | |
| Effectiveness | Both are effective at killing germs when used in concentrations over 60%. |
| Ethanol is considered superior to isopropyl alcohol by the World Health Organization (WHO). | |
| Skin Effects | Isopropyl alcohol: less damaging to the skin. |
| Ethanol: more dehydrating and causes skin discomfort. | |
| Safety | Isopropyl alcohol: safer than ethanol unless spilled in large amounts on the skin. |
| Ethanol: more dangerous to ingest. |
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What You'll Learn
Molecular structure
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol, is a secondary alcohol with the chemical formula (CH3)2CHOH. It is an organic polar molecule with a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom, which is, in turn, attached to two other carbon atoms. Isopropyl alcohol is produced through the hydration of propene or the hydrogenation of acetone, and it has a boiling point of 80.37°C. It is a colourless liquid with a pungent odour and a slightly bitter taste. It is highly flammable and toxic when ingested.
On the other hand, the term 'natural alcohol' typically refers to ethanol, which is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. Ethanol is a simple primary alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH. It is produced naturally when yeast and other microbes ferment sugars found in plants. Like isopropyl alcohol, ethanol is also an organic compound and a polar molecule. It is miscible in water, and it has a boiling point of 78.4°C. Ethanol is also flammable and toxic when ingested in large quantities.
The key difference between the molecular structures of isopropyl alcohol and natural alcohol (ethanol) lies in the number of carbon atoms bonded to the hydroxyl group (-OH). In isopropyl alcohol, the hydroxyl group is attached to a secondary carbon atom (2°), which is bonded to two other carbon atoms. In contrast, in ethanol, the hydroxyl group is attached to a primary carbon atom (1°), which is bonded to only one other carbon atom. This difference in the bonding of the hydroxyl group results in distinct chemical properties and behaviours for each type of alcohol.
The molecular structure of isopropyl alcohol, with its additional carbon bonds, gives it a higher boiling point compared to ethanol. It also contributes to its unique physical and chemical properties, such as its miscibility with certain solvents and its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances. The structure of isopropyl alcohol also makes it a useful reagent in various chemical reactions, such as oxidation to form acetone or the formation of compounds like isopropoxides.
While natural alcohol, or ethanol, has a simpler molecular structure, it still exhibits complex behaviour due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. The OH group provides a site for many chemical reactions and significantly modifies the properties of hydrocarbons. Ethanol's molecular structure also allows it to undergo hydroxylation, which is a crucial process in the body's detoxification pathways.
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Toxicity
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or rubbing alcohol, is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic and is found in many household, pharmaceutical, and industrial products. While isopropyl alcohol is generally considered non-toxic, it can be toxic when ingested or absorbed through the skin or respiratory system in significant quantities.
The toxicity of isopropyl alcohol is well-documented, with symptoms including flushing, headache, dizziness, central nervous system depression, nausea, vomiting, anesthesia, hypothermia, low blood pressure, shock, respiratory depression, and coma. Ingesting as little as 100ml of isopropyl alcohol can be fatal, with death typically preceded by dizziness, deep coma, and shock. However, it is important to note that death from ingestion or absorption is rare, and isopropyl alcohol poisoning is typically treated with supportive therapy, including intravenous hydration.
The toxicity of isopropyl alcohol is also evident when it comes into contact with the skin. Pure isopropyl alcohol should never be applied to the skin as it can cause irritation and toxicity. If isopropyl alcohol comes into contact with the skin, it is important to remove any contaminated clothing and wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Inhalation of isopropyl alcohol fumes can also be toxic and can cause serious respiratory issues. It is important to use isopropyl alcohol in well-ventilated areas and avoid inhaling the fumes. If inhaled, it is recommended to immediately move to fresh air and seek medical advice.
While isopropyl alcohol is considered toxic, it is important to note that it is generally less toxic than other alcohols such as methanol and ethylene glycol. Additionally, isopropyl alcohol is often chosen as a preservative or solvent due to its relatively non-toxic nature compared to other synthetic preservatives or solvents.
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Effectiveness against viruses
Isopropyl alcohol is not effective against all viruses. It is not active against nonlipid enteroviruses and hydrophilic viruses such as polio, but it is fully active against lipid viruses. It is also effective at killing enveloped viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, the flu virus, the common cold, and HIV.
The effectiveness of isopropyl alcohol against viruses also depends on its concentration. It is most effective when diluted in water at concentrations between 60% and 90% alcohol, with 10–40% purified water. At this concentration, it is rapidly antimicrobial against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The presence of water is crucial as it acts as a catalyst to destroy or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Water also slows down evaporation, increasing surface contact time and enhancing effectiveness.
However, isopropyl alcohol is not effective against all viruses. For example, it is not effective against the norovirus.
Ethyl alcohol is also effective at killing a large range of viruses, including the hepatitis B virus, the herpes virus, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rotavirus, echovirus, and astrovirus. It is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. It is generally considered superior to isopropyl alcohol, and it is safer for the skin.
Both isopropyl and ethyl alcohol are commonly used in hand sanitizers to kill viruses.
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Use cases
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly known as "rubbing alcohol", is a pure alcohol with no other ingredients. It is a colourless liquid with a sharp odour. It is highly flammable and dangerous if inhaled, ingested, or applied to the skin. It is used in industry to manufacture products and as a disinfectant and antiseptic in medical settings. It is also used in hand sanitizers, aftershaves, and stain removers.
Rubbing alcohol, on the other hand, is a diluted form of isopropyl alcohol, typically containing 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. It may also contain additional ingredients such as wintergreen essential oil. Unlike isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol is intended for home use as an antiseptic to clean cuts and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced naturally when yeast and other microbes ferment sugars found in plants. It is also used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in medical settings, as well as a fuel additive in the automotive industry.
Isopropyl Alcohol:
- Disinfectant and antiseptic in medical settings
- Hand sanitizers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Aftershaves and stain removers
- Industrial manufacturing of various products
Rubbing Alcohol:
- At-home first aid to clean cuts and scrapes, reducing the risk of infection
- Disinfecting small objects and surfaces in the home
- Relieving muscle aches when containing wintergreen or methyl salicylate
Ethanol:
- Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits
- Medical applications as an antiseptic and disinfectant
- Fuel additive in gasoline, improving combustion and reducing emissions
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Manufacturing process
The manufacturing processes of isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol differ in their source materials and production methods.
Isopropyl Alcohol Manufacturing
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol or 2-propanol, is derived from chemical manufacturing processes using propene and water as the basic materials. Propene is sourced from fossil fuels. The process of manufacturing isopropyl alcohol involves the combination of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon atoms.
Ethyl Alcohol Manufacturing
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is produced through fermentation processes involving sugars and yeast. It is a natural byproduct of plant fermentation, derived from plant and grain sources such as corn, wheat, barley, sugarcane, hemp, and other related natural materials. During the manufacturing process, these plant sources are heated to produce sugar and starch, and then yeast is added to facilitate fermentation and yield ethanol.
Comparison
The key distinction in the manufacturing processes lies in the fact that isopropyl alcohol is produced through chemical synthesis, while ethyl alcohol is derived from the fermentation of plant sources. This difference in production methods contributes to the unique properties of each type of alcohol and influences their suitability for specific applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as "rubbing alcohol", is a synthetic alcohol made from propene derived from crude oil. It is commonly used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Natural alcohol, or ethanol, is produced by yeasts when they ferment sugars. It is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
No, you cannot drink isopropyl alcohol. Even small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning. It is poisonous and can be deadly.
Both isopropyl alcohol and ethanol are commonly used as disinfectants and antiseptics. However, ethanol is considered to be less damaging to the skin. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates faster but does not dry out hands as badly.
