Question

How are the following obtained :
(a) absolute alcohol,

(b) spurious alcohol,
(c) methylated spirit?

Answer 1

(a) Absolute alcohol: Absolute alcohol may be obtained by distilling moist alcohol with benzene. The mixture of water and benzene distills off and anhydrous alcohol is left behind.

(b) Spurious alcohol: It is made by improper distillation. It is ethyl alcohol which contains traces of methyl alcohol. It is unfit for human consumption. If consumed, it would result in blindness or death

(c) Methylated spirit: Methylated spirit or denatured alcohol is ethyl alcohol with 5%methyl alcohol, a coloured dye and some pyridine.