Ethanol vs Methanol: One Carbon Atom Apart, Compared in 3D
Ethanol and methanol are the two simplest alcohols, and they differ by just one carbon atom. Ethanol is the alcohol in drinks. Methanol looks and smells almost the same, but even a small amount can cause blindness or death, because of what the body turns it into.
Ethanol vs methanol: true size
Ethanol vs methanol at a glance
| Ethanol | Methanol | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C2H5OH | CH3OH |
| Carbon atoms | 2 | 1 |
| Atoms in one molecule | 9 | 6 |
| Molar mass | 46.07 g/mol | 32.04 g/mol |
| Boiling point | 78 °C | 65 °C |
| Other name | Grain alcohol | Wood alcohol |
| Made from | Fermenting sugars with yeast, or from ethylene | Mostly natural gas, first made by heating wood |
| In the body | Broken down to acetaldehyde, then acetic acid | Broken down to formaldehyde, then formic acid, which damages the eyes and nerves |
Why one carbon matters so much
The liver breaks down both alcohols with the same enzymes. Ethanol ends up as acetic acid, the acid in vinegar, which the body can use. Methanol ends up as formic acid, which builds up in the blood and attacks the nerve that carries signals from the eye. That is why methanol poisoning can cause permanent blindness.
Uses
Ethanol is used in drinks, hand gel, perfumes and as a fuel mixed into petrol. Methanol is a major factory chemical used to make plastics, paints and other chemicals, and it is also used in some fuels, windscreen wash and antifreeze. Methanol is never safe to drink.
Quick facts
- Both have an OH group, which is what makes them alcohols.
- Badly made spirits can contain dangerous methanol.
- Methanol burns with an almost invisible flame.
- Ethanol has been made by fermentation for thousands of years.
- Methanol has been found in clouds of gas in space.
This page explains the chemistry of two molecules. Methanol is poisonous. If you think someone has swallowed methanol or any unknown alcohol, get urgent medical help.
Ethanol vs methanol questions
What is the difference between ethanol and methanol?
Ethanol, C2H5OH, has two carbon atoms. Methanol, CH3OH, has one. Ethanol is the alcohol in drinks; methanol is toxic.
Why is methanol poisonous?
The body turns it into formaldehyde and then formic acid, which damages the optic nerve and other tissues.
Which has the higher boiling point?
Ethanol, at about 78 °C, against about 65 °C for methanol.
Why is methanol called wood alcohol?
It was first made by heating wood without air.
Can you tell ethanol and methanol apart by smell?
Not reliably. They look and smell very similar, which is why methanol poisoning happens.
More face-offs: see all 3D comparisons.
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