Methanol and ethanol are two kinds of alcohol. Ethanol is a compound consisting of two carbon atoms, having a single bond between them, and having an attached functional group -OH. It is often abbreviated as EtOH. Methanol consists of one carbon atom linked to a hydroxyl group. It is abbreviated as MeOH. Methanol is volatile, light, flammable, colorless liquid similar to ethanol with a slight alcohol odor. In this article, we discuss the 12 differences between methanol and ethanol.
Differences between methanol and ethanol
| S.No | ETHANOL | METHANOL |
| 1 | It is known as ethyl alcohol | 1. It is known as methyl alcohol. |
| 2 | Its molecular formula is C2H5OH | 2. Its molecular formula is CH3OH. |
| 3 | Chemical structure: Contains two carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group. | Chemical structure: Contains one carbon atom and a hydroxyl group. |
| 4 | It’s used as an ingredient in drinking alcohol (grain alcohol or simple alcohol). Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. | It’s a nondrinking type of alcohol(also known as wood alcohol) |
| 5 | Boiling point: 78.37°C. Higher compare to methanol. | Boiling point: 64.7°C. Lower compare to ethanol. |
| 6 | Melting point: -114.1°C. | Melting point: -97.6°C. |
| 7 | Natural occurrences: This is a by-product of the metabolic process of yeast, commonly be found in overripe fruit, also produced during the germination of many plants | Natural occurrences: Is produced by anaerobic bacteria, phytoplankton, also produced synthetically through catalysis from carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. |
| 8 | Ethanol is a weaker acid than water. | Methanol has a slightly higher level of acid than water. |
| 9 | Molar mass: Higher than methanol. | Molar mass: Lower than ethanol. |
| 10 | Toxicity: Comparatively low. Thus can use in beverages. | Toxicity: Toxic. Thus cannot use in beverages. |
| 11 | Chemical nature: It is a renewable liquid. | Chemical nature: it is a non-renewable liquid. |
| 12 | Iodoform test: Ethanol is warmed with iodine in the presence of NaOH, it forms a yellow-colored precipitate. | Iodoform test: It doesn’t react positively. |
How to distinguish between methanol and ethanol?
Ethanol and methanol are both colorless liquids and can be very difficult to distinguish based on the visual investigation. A test called the iodoform test is used to distinguish ethanol and methanol. When ethanol is warmed with iodine and sodium hydroxide it forms a yellow precipitate. But, methanol does not show any color change.
Why is it important to distinguish between ethanol and methanol?
Ethanol is used as an ingredient in most beverages(Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health). Whereas the consumption of methanol is even more serious and can be fatal. Anyways, consumption of any form of alcohol can affect regular body functioning. You can read this article on the 23 effects of alcohol on the body to learn more.
See Also
Benzyl alcohol
5 Difference between allotropes and isomers
10 Difference between corrosion and rusting
Benzene
