Ethanol ( CH3CH2OH) | Methanol (CH3OH) |
It is known as ethyl alcohol comprising two carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group. | It is known as methyl alcohol comprising one carbon atom and a hydroxyl group. |
Ethanol is a weaker acid. | Methanol is a stronger acid. |
Ethanol is produced by the fermentation of sugar in the presence of yeasts. | Methanol is synthetically produced by the catalysis of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. |
Ethanol is used as an active ingredient in alcoholic beverages. | Methanol is highly toxic and not suitable for consumption. |
Affects the central nervous system and can cause sleepiness when ingested or consumed. | Affects the retina of the eye and can cause terminal blindness; to the extreme can also cause death if ingested mistakenly. |
As a fuel, ethanol serves as a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional gasoline. | Methanol is commonly utilized as an industrial solvent in the production of many chemicals such as production of formaldehyde. |