Ethanol has industrial uses as well and can be found in motor fuel and lots of cosmetic products, like perfumes and lotions. [3] X Research source
The molecular structure of an ethanol molecule is C2H6O. The molecular structure of a methanol molecule is CH3O.
The smell is not a good indicator of how concentrated the vapors of either liquid are. A diluted solution will smell nearly as strong as a more robust one.
Today, ethanol is industrially synthesized en masse for fuel, cleaning products, and other solutions. Alcoholic beverages, like wine or vodka, are still made by fermenting fruit and grains with yeast (although the process is helped along by modern machinery). You can even ferment ethanol at home to make a DIY fuel (with the proper permits).
Methanol is made by exposing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen to a copper catalyst that forces them to combine into methanol molecules.
You’re unlikely to encounter lethal doses of ethanol accidentally unless you work in a lab or chemical plant that mass produces it.
You probably won’t encounter fatal doses of methanol unless you work in plastic manufacturing, vehicle deicing, or the fuel industry.
Ethanol is increasingly popular in fuels like gasoline. It’s technically a renewable resource since it’s made from biomass plant materials. [14] X Research source Ethanol is also popular as an industrial solvent that can dissolve fats, oils, waxes, resins, and hydrocarbons.
Methanol can be added to petroleum to make fuel, though it’s no longer commercially available for this because of its somewhat nature. [16] X Research source Pure methanol has no practical uses around the home and should only be stored in lab or factory settings.
The ethanol tube will turn cloudy, and then a yellow substance called triiodomethane (iodoform) will form. The full formation takes about 20 minutes. The methanol tube will remain clear since it does not react to the iodine or sodium hydroxide. Wear gloves and goggles to stay safe during the experiment. Methanol and sodium hydroxide are dangerous if they get in your eyes or on your skin. Unless you’re a professional chemist, only perform this experiment under the supervision of an instructor.
