Ethanol vs. Methanol — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 5, 2023
Ethanol is drinkable alcohol used in beverages, while methanol is a toxic solvent often called wood alcohol.
Difference Between Ethanol and Methanol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is primarily recognized as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. It's commonly used in social settings and consumed for its intoxicating effects. On the other hand, methanol, sometimes referred to as wood alcohol, is not fit for consumption. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to poisoning or death.
In addition to its use in alcoholic drinks, ethanol serves as a biofuel, an antiseptic, and a solvent. It's derived from the fermentation of sugars by yeast. Methanol, however, is mainly used as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel. It's produced from the destructive distillation of wood or the synthesis of natural gas.
From a molecular perspective, ethanol has the chemical formula C2H5OH, indicating two carbon atoms. Methanol, with the formula CH3OH, contains only one carbon atom. This structural difference leads to varied properties and uses for each alcohol.
Ethanol can be metabolized by the human body and is relatively safe to consume in moderation. Consuming excessive amounts, however, can lead to alcohol poisoning. Methanol is metabolized differently, producing toxic compounds in the body. Ingestion can lead to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and even blindness.
While both ethanol and methanol are alcohols, their uses, sources, and effects on the human body are distinct. Ethanol is largely associated with recreational drinking and some industrial applications, while methanol is strictly industrial and highly toxic if ingested.
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Comparison Chart
Source
Fermentation of sugars
Destructive distillation of wood
Common Uses
Beverages, biofuel, antiseptic
Industrial solvent, antifreeze, fuel
Toxicity
Safe in moderation; can cause poisoning in large amounts
Highly toxic; even small amounts can be fatal
Chemical Formula
C2H5OH
CH3OH
Metabolism in Body
Metabolized safely in moderation
Produces toxic compounds when metabolized
Compare with Definitions
Ethanol
Ethanol serves as a biofuel in certain engines.
Cars running on ethanol emit fewer greenhouse gases.
Methanol
Methanol is a toxic alcohol also known as wood alcohol.
Ingesting methanol can be fatal.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages.
Methanol
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol amongst other names, is a chemical and the simplest alcohol, with the formula CH3OH (a methyl group linked to a hydroxyl group, often abbreviated MeOH). It is a light, volatile, colourless, flammable liquid with a distinctive alcoholic odour similar to that of ethanol (potable alcohol).
Ethanol
Ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol) is an organic chemical compound. It is a simple alcohol with the chemical formula C2H6O. Its formula can be also written as CH3−CH2−OH or C2H5OH (an ethyl group linked to a hydroxyl group), and is often abbreviated as EtOH. Ethanol is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid with a slight characteristic odor.
Methanol
Methanol is commonly used as an industrial solvent.
The factory uses methanol to clean machinery parts.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a versatile solvent in laboratories.
The chemist used ethanol to dissolve the sample.
Methanol
A light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol; used as an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol
Ethanol
Ethanol acts as an antiseptic in medical settings.
Before the injection, the nurse swabbed the area with ethanol.
Methanol
Methanol can be derived from the destructive distillation of wood.
Historically, methanol was obtained directly from heated wood.
Ethanol
Ethanol is derived from the fermentation of sugars.
Yeast transforms sugar into ethanol during the brewing process.
Methanol
Methanol is a component in some antifreeze solutions.
Methanol helps keep the radiator fluid from freezing.
Ethanol
See alcohol.
Methanol
Methanol's chemical structure contains one carbon atom.
The CH3OH formula represents methanol.
Ethanol
Specifically, this alcohol as a fuel.
Methanol
A toxic, colourless, volatile flammable liquid alcohol, made chiefly by oxidizing methane.
Ethanol
(organic compound) A simple aliphatic alcohol formally derived from ethane by replacing one hydrogen atom with a hydroxyl group: CH3-CH2-OH.
Methanol
A colorless, toxic, flammable liquid, CH3OH, used as an antifreeze, a general solvent, a fuel, and a denaturant for ethyl alcohol. Also called carbinol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood spirits.
Ethanol
The organic compound C2H5.OH, the common alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in beer, wine, and other fermented and distilled liquors; called also ethyl alcohol. It is used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions, or mixed in gasoline as a fuel for automobiles, and as a rocket fuel (as in the V-2 rocket).
Methanol
(organic compound) The simplest aliphatic alcohol, CH3OH; a colourless, toxic, inflammable liquid, used as a solvent, antifreeze, in the chemical industry, and in the preparation of methylated spirit.
Ethanol
The intoxicating agent in fermented and distilled liquors; used pure or denatured as a solvent or in medicines and colognes and cleaning solutions and rocket fuel; proposed as a renewable clean-burning additive to gasoline
Methanol
The simplest alcohol of the paraffin series, CH3.OH; methyl alcohol. Called also wood alcohol. It is used as an antifreeze solvent, as a fuel, and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol.
Common Curiosities
What is the main use of ethanol?
Ethanol is primarily used as the alcohol in alcoholic beverages.
Can you drink methanol?
No, methanol is highly toxic and can be lethal if ingested.
How is ethanol produced?
Ethanol is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast.
What happens if you ingest methanol?
Methanol ingestion can lead to poisoning, blindness, or death.
What is another name for methanol?
Methanol is also known as wood alcohol.
Are both ethanol and methanol considered alcohols?
Yes, both are alcohols but have different properties and uses.
How does ethanol differ chemically from methanol?
Ethanol has two carbon atoms (C2H5OH), while methanol has one (CH3OH).
Is ethanol used as a fuel?
Yes, ethanol is used as a biofuel in certain engines.
Can the body metabolize ethanol safely?
The body can metabolize ethanol safely in moderation, but excessive amounts can be harmful.
Why is methanol used in antifreeze?
Methanol helps prevent freezing in certain solutions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
