What's the difference between Ethyl rubbing alcohol and Isopropyl alcohol?.

Okay, did a quick Google… seems they’re the same?

The term “rubbing alcohol” has become a general non-specific term for either isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or ethyl alcohol (ethanol) rubbing-alcohol products. The confusion comes from the greater popularity of isopropyl rubbing alcohol, and as a result, individuals requesting “rubbing alcohol” generally expect and get an isopropyl alcohol product.

Link

That’s kind of what I got but they seem so different. It’s the same 70% but it doesn’t have that strong odor. I use it to sterilize my skin before I check my blood sugar so just wanted to be doubly sure.

Gah.. should have studied medicine. :P

@loser: I think you’re good. link and link.

Y’all rock! I get a little neurotic sometimes…

@loser: I would be too. A person’s health is the one thing you don’t want to gamble with.

Isopropyl alcohol is a Y-shaped molecule with two carbon atoms. It is naturally poisonous if taken internally.

Ethyl alcohol is a straight-line molecule with three carbon atoms. It is not naturally toxic (when taken internally in moderation).
Ethyl alcohol (when not contaminated to make it poisonous) is the main alcohol in vodka, gin, rum, etc.

Is that fascinating or not? OK, maybe not!

@Dr_Lawrence I found it to be rather interesting. Thank you.

@loser Orange you glad I told you?

One of them will get you drunk, the other will kill you.

Well, this is not an answer though, but a follow-up question: Is it alright to mix ethyl and isopropyl rubbing alcohol? I mean to mix them in one container and then use it?