Denatured Alcohol(SDS) or Methylated Spirits is ethanol that has additives to make (poisonous, extremely bad tasting, foul smelling or nauseating), to discourage recreational consumption. In some cases it is also dyed. Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and as fuel for spirit burners and camping stoves. Because of the diversity of industrial uses for denatured alcohol, hundreds of additives and denaturing methods have been used. The main additive has traditionally been 10% methanol, giving rise to the term "methylated spirits". Other typical additives include isopropyl alcohol, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, denatonium Denaturing alcohol does not chemically alter the ethanol molecule. Rather, the ethanol is mixed with other chemicals to form an undrinkable solution.
Common Uses- As a fuel for marine and ultra-light camping (backpacking) stoves.
- To pre-heat the vaporizing tubes on a wickless kerosene stove .
- As a cleaning aid in removing ink stains from upholstery or clothes.
- As a cleaner in daily housekeeping
Despite its poisonous nature, denatured alcohol is sometimes consumed as a surrogate alcohol, which can result in blindness or death if the denatured alcohol contains methanol.