A denatured alcohol product, often colored purple or blue, serves as a solvent and fuel. It primarily consists of ethanol to which denaturants have been added, rendering it unfit for human consumption. A common denaturant is methanol, but other additives such as pyridine, isopropyl alcohol, or methyl ethyl ketone can also be used, depending on the specific formulation and intended application. This treatment prevents its misuse as a beverage while retaining its useful properties as a cleaner, disinfectant, and fuel source.
This denatured alcohol finds widespread application in various industrial, commercial, and domestic settings. Historically, its development arose from a need to provide a cheaper alternative to pure ethanol, specifically for applications where potable alcohol wasn’t necessary. Its use reduces the risk of excise duty evasion on alcohol intended for consumption. The key advantage lies in its effectiveness as a solvent, enabling its utility in cleaning, degreasing, and thinning paints and varnishes. It’s also employed as a fuel in spirit burners and camping stoves due to its clean-burning properties.
