On 22 Dec 2004 10:20:16 GMT, (Nick Maclaren) wrote:

In article , wrote:

Well I have since learned that methyl hydrate is methanol whereas
methylated alcohol is 95% ethanol and 5% or less of methanol.
So they aren't really the same.

Well, if you were buying from a chemical warehouse, that might be
true. But I doubt very much that what is called methyl hydrate really
is pure methanol. You could test its density and check.

Part of the reason is the toxicity (to humans) of pure methanol. It
really is very dangerous indeed.

Yes I suppose you are right. The company that sells the methyl
hydrate does not mention the chemical breakdown on the container. They
likely dilute it to provide some degree of safeguard to the consumer.
They also warn what to do if ingested.

Eric