A term describing a substance, particularly a protein or nucleic acid, that has lost its native structure and function. Also refers to ethanol that has been rendered unfit for drinking by adding toxic or foul-tasting substances.
Properties & Characteristics
Denatured alcohol (denatured ethanol) is ethanol to which toxic or foul-tasting additives (denaturants) have been added to make it unfit for human consumption, avoiding beverage alcohol taxes. Common denaturants: methanol (toxic, ~5-10%), isopropanol, pyridine, or denatonium benzoate (bitterant). "Methylated spirits" contains methanol. Denaturation does not significantly affect the chemical or solvent properties of ethanol for industrial or laboratory use.
Uses & Applications
Denatured alcohol is used as an industrial solvent, fuel, antiseptic, cleaning agent, and in cosmetics. It is widely used in laboratories as a general-purpose solvent and disinfectant where pure ethanol would be subject to excise duty.
Safety Information
The methanol in some formulations of denatured alcohol is highly toxic — ingestion causes blindness and death (metabolised to formate and formaldehyde). Never use denatured alcohol for any purpose where it might be ingested or absorbed. Flammable: flash point ~13°C.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
A term describing a substance, particularly a protein or nucleic acid, that has lost its native structure and function. Also refers to ethanol that has been rendered unfit for drinking by adding toxic or foul-tasting substances.
Denatured alcohol is used as an industrial solvent, fuel, antiseptic, cleaning agent, and in cosmetics. It is widely used in laboratories as a general-purpose solvent and disinfectant where pure ethanol would be subject to excise duty.
The methanol in some formulations of denatured alcohol is highly toxic — ingestion causes blindness and death (metabolised to formate and formaldehyde). Never use denatured alcohol for any purpose where it might be ingested or absorbed. Flammable: flash point ~13°C.
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
