Question

what is distinctive test for ethyl alcohol and methyl alcohol?

Answer 1

The solution in the ethanol test-tube should go cloudy and then a yellow precipitate of tri-iodo-methane (iodoform) should be seen. This has a distinct 'antiseptic' smell. The methanol test-tube should remain clear. Ethanol is the only primary alcohol which will give the reaction and ethanal the only aldehyde.

Answer 2

Methanol is an alcohol like ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic drinks. Methanol can also give the same kind of buzz or 'high' as ethanol, but it is much more toxic and can cause severe and even fatal illness. This alcohol occurs naturally at low levels in fermented drinks. Commercially manufactured alcoholic drinks have techniques for removing the methanol. However, homemade brewers do not have the technology to remove methanol, while illicit liquor sold sometimes uses methanol as a cheap substitute for ethanol