alcohol, denatured

views updated Jun 11 2018

alcohol, denatured Drinkable alcohol is subject to tax in most countries and for industrial use it is denatured to render it unfit for consumption, by the addition of 5% methyl alcohol (methanol, CH3OH, also known as wood alcohol), which is poisonous. This is industrial rectified spirit. For domestic use a purple dye and pyridine (which has an unpleasant odour) are also added; this is methylated spirit.

denatured alcohol

views updated May 21 2018

denatured alcohol The addition of dyestuffs and unpleasant flavours (such as pyridine) to prevent the consumption of alcohol which is intended for domestic or industrial purposes; up to 5% (toxic) methyl alcohol is added.