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My chemistry teacher pointed out to our class that "99%" ethanol was distilled in benzene, and therefore had poisonous residue, whereas "95%" was water distille
by adonovan 2y ago
My chemistry teacher pointed out to our class that "99%" ethanol was distilled in benzene, and therefore had poisonous residue, whereas "95%" was water distilled, and thus safe to spike your OJ.
- mlindner 2y agoIn the US they generally add toxic chemicals back in for that kind of thing to prevent people doing that.
- LeifCarrotson 2y agoThey might generally add toxins (or bitterants) to the 95% if regulations instruct them to. With the 99% stuff, the laws of physics compells them to use the benzene. Financial considerations also exert an influence on the process.
- foobar1962 2y agoSuch toxins are added to make the alcohol unsuitable for human consumption, and thus avoid paying government alcohol tax or duty. Where I am it's called "methylated spirits" and IIRC the boing point of the additive is very close to that of the alcohol so it's not possible to distill it out.
- mcv 2y ago20 years ago I read about a Dutch company that sold pure alcohol for consumption to Russia, where people would drink one sip of pure alcohol followed by two sips of orange juice. Hopefully the only country with a market for that.