Noah Vinter
Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both commonly used in hand sanitizers. They are similar molecularly but have different chemical structures. They both disrupt the proteins and lipids in viruses and bacteria, killing germs. While they are both effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, there are some differences between the two types of alcohol. For example, isopropyl alcohol has a stronger medicinal odor than ethyl alcohol, and it has a higher melting and boiling point. Isopropyl alcohol is also slightly less viscous than ethyl alcohol and evaporates more quickly, making it more likely to irritate the skin.
| Characteristics | Ethyl Alcohol | Isopropyl Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C2H5OH | C3H7OH |
| Common Name | Ethanol | Isopropanol |
| Boiling Point | 78.4°C | 82.6°C |
| Melting Point | -114.1°C | -89°C |
| Solubility in Water | Fully Miscible | Fully Miscible |
| Odor | Mild, Ethereal | Strong, Unpleasant |
| Taste | Burning | Bitter |
| Toxicity | Less Toxic | More Toxic |
| Disinfectant Properties | Weaker | Stronger |
| Common Uses | Beverages, Solvents | Rubbing Alcohol, Solvents |
| Human Consumption | Possible, but not recommended | Not for consumption |
| Price | Cheaper | More Expensive |
| Availability | Easily available | Readily available |
| Flammability | Highly flammable | Highly flammable |
| Volatility | High | High |
| Evaporation Rate | Fast | Faster than ethanol |
| Safety | Highly flammable, toxic when consumed in large quantities | Highly flammable, toxic when inhaled or consumed |
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What You'll Learn
Effectiveness in hand sanitiser
Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both commonly used in hand sanitisers. They are effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other germs that can make you sick. However, there are some differences in their effectiveness as hand sanitiser ingredients.
Firstly, both types of alcohol require dilution with water to effectively kill germs. Hand sanitisers should contain at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the FDA and CDC, and ideally 70% to balance effectiveness and evaporation rate. At higher concentrations, alcohol evaporates too quickly to effectively kill germs, while lower concentrations are not as effective. Ethyl alcohol is often used at concentrations of 70%, whereas isopropyl alcohol is commonly found at 70% or 100%.
Secondly, the two types of alcohol have different effects on the skin. Ethyl alcohol may be more likely to dry out your hands compared to isopropyl alcohol due to its more dehydrating properties. A 2017 study found that isopropyl alcohol caused significant damage to skin condition and function, while ethyl alcohol did not. However, isopropyl alcohol can be unsafe if spilled in large amounts on the skin, causing itching, cracking, and redness.
Thirdly, the effectiveness of the two alcohols against specific viruses may vary. While both are effective against the COVID-19 virus, ethyl alcohol may be more effective. Additionally, isopropyl alcohol is not as effective against nonenveloped viruses, such as hepatitis A and poliovirus.
Finally, isopropyl alcohol is twice as toxic as ethyl alcohol when ingested. Ingesting isopropyl alcohol can quickly lead to alcohol poisoning and even death. On the other hand, ethyl alcohol is the type of alcohol found in beverages, but it can still cause serious health consequences when ingested in the form of hand sanitiser or other disinfectants.
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Toxicity and safety
Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both used in hand sanitisers and disinfectants, but they have distinct differences in terms of toxicity and safety.
Toxicity
Also called ethanol, ethyl alcohol is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine. It is generally safe for human consumption and is produced naturally when yeast and other microbes ferment sugars found in plants. Ethyl alcohol is also used in products that come into direct contact with the skin, such as mouthwashes, hair sprays, and cosmetics. While there have been concerns about its potential carcinogenic properties, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. A safety evaluation study on the effects of topical application of ethyl alcohol revealed that it does not cause skin damage.
On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol, also known as "rubbing alcohol," is not safe for human consumption. Consuming even small amounts can lead to poisoning and serious health consequences. It is highly flammable and toxic when inhaled or ingested. Isopropyl alcohol should never be used pure on the skin as it can cause toxicity. It is, however, an effective disinfectant and is commonly found in hospital pharmacies.
Safety
Both types of alcohol are highly flammable and should be kept away from open fires or potential spark sources. They also have antimicrobial properties when diluted in water but differ in their effectiveness. Isopropyl alcohol, for example, is less effective at higher concentrations as it evaporates quickly and may not have sufficient contact time to kill germs. Ethyl alcohol may cause less skin damage compared to isopropyl alcohol.
It is important to always check the labels of hand sanitisers to ensure they contain a minimum of 60% alcohol, as recommended by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Chemical structure
While isopropyl and ethyl alcohol share similarities, they have distinct chemical structures that make them suitable for different purposes. Both compounds are liquids at room temperature, colourless, flammable, soluble in water, and volatile. However, they have different properties.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as 2-propanol, is a common ingredient in hand sanitisers. It has a stronger "medicinal" odour than ethyl alcohol, and a higher melting and boiling point. It is also slightly less viscous and evaporates more quickly. Isopropyl alcohol is toxic and should not be ingested. It is also known as rubbing alcohol and is used to relieve aches and pains.
On the other hand, ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine. Humans have enzymes to detoxify ethyl alcohol, making it reasonably safe to consume. It is also used in hand sanitisers and is effective at killing viruses and bacteria.
Both isopropyl and ethyl alcohol are highly effective disinfectants, capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They work by disrupting the proteins and lipids in viruses and bacteria. The effectiveness of these alcohols depends on their concentration and specific conditions. For example, isopropyl alcohol is more effective at killing FCV (feline calicivirus) at a lower concentration of 40% to 60%, while ethyl alcohol is more effective at a higher concentration of 70% to 90%.
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Physical properties
Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are both organic compounds that are liquids at room temperature, colourless, flammable, soluble in water, and volatile. However, they have different physical properties that make them suitable for different applications.
One of the most notable differences between ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol is their molecular structure. Isopropyl alcohol's molecular structure contains one more carbon and two more hydrogen molecules than ethyl alcohol. Additionally, the -OH functional group that makes them alcohols is on the second carbon atom in isopropyl alcohol, but on the end of the molecule in ethyl alcohol.
Another difference between the two alcohols is their evaporation rate. Isopropyl alcohol has a rapid evaporation rate, which makes it preferable in certain healthcare settings and for disinfecting intact skin as it is less irritating. Ethyl alcohol, on the other hand, is more likely to cause skin irritation due to its slower evaporation rate.
Ethyl alcohol is commonly used in products that come into direct contact with the skin, such as disinfectants, mouthwashes, and hair sprays. It is also added to motor fuels and is safe for human consumption, although it should be noted that hand sanitizers containing ethyl alcohol are not pure enough to be consumed. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is commonly used for disinfecting surfaces, medical instruments, and electronic devices. It is also used as an antiseptic for cleaning wounds and is often referred to as "rubbing alcohol".
Both ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol exhibit antimicrobial properties and are effective at killing a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, germs, and fungi. However, their efficacy may vary depending on the concentration and specific conditions. For example, isopropyl alcohol is more effective at killing FCV (feline calicivirus) at a lower concentration, while ethyl alcohol is more effective at higher concentrations.
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Uses and applications
Ethyl alcohol, commonly known as ethanol, is a colourless liquid alcohol with a slightly sweet odour. It is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, but it is also used in disinfectants, mouthwashes, hair sprays, antiseptics, cosmetics, paints, cleaning products, food additives, and fuel. Ethanol is also used in ethanol fireplace heaters and is more environmentally friendly than isopropyl alcohol as it is made from sugar cane, wheat or other plant-based sources. It is also used in hand sanitisers, where it is effective at killing many viruses, including lipophilic viruses like herpes, vaccinia, and influenza, and hydrophilic viruses like adenovirus, rotavirus, and rhinovirus. However, it is not effective against the Hepatitis A virus.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol, 2-propanol, or rubbing alcohol, is a common disinfectant in hospital pharmacies and is used to clean electronic components, remove flux residues, and dissolve greases and oils in manufacturing processes. It is also used in hand sanitisers, where it is effective against enveloped viruses like COVID-19. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates more quickly than ethanol and doesn't dry out hands so badly.
Both types of alcohol are used in glass and window cleaners and as multi-purpose cleaners, as they are great for cleaning mirrors without leaving smudges and can kill bacteria on benches, stainless steel surfaces, and even plants.
When choosing between ethyl and isopropyl alcohol, it is important to consider the specific application and the desired characteristics, such as evaporation rate, potency, and material compatibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Ethyl alcohol is commonly found in alcoholic beverages and is also known as ethanol or grain alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol, on the other hand, is often referred to as rubbing alcohol and is not suitable for consumption.
Both compounds are liquids at room temperature, colourless, flammable, soluble in water and volatile. However, isopropyl alcohol has a higher melting and boiling point than ethyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol also has a stronger odour and is less viscous.
Yes, both types of alcohol are used in hand sanitizers and are effective at killing bacteria and viruses. However, isopropyl alcohol evaporates more quickly, which can cause skin irritation.
Both alcohols are highly effective disinfectants and can be used for cleaning. They are also both suitable for treating minor skin wounds.
The efficacy of the two alcohols depends on their concentration and specific conditions. For example, isopropyl alcohol is more effective at killing FCV at a lower concentration of 40% to 60%, while ethyl alcohol is more effective at a higher concentration of 70% to 90%.
