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Ethanol and isopropanol are common organic solvents that are widely used in fields such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and food. However, these two solvents have significant differences in properties and applications

Chemically speaking, ethanol molecules contain one carbon atom and one hydroxyl group (- OH), while isopropanol molecules contain three carbon atoms and one hydroxyl group. This structural difference determines their differences in physical and chemical properties

Ethanol is a polar solvent that can dissolve many polar substances, such as water, acids, bases, etc. Isopropanol, on the other hand, is a non-polar solvent that can replace ethanol in some cases, but is not suitable for certain specific compounds

In addition, ethanol is flammable, highly volatile, and has irritating effects on the skin and mucous membranes. If exposed in large amounts to ethanol vapor, it can lead to poisoning. However, isopropanol has lower volatility and less irritating effects on the human body, making it relatively safer

In specific applications, ethanol is commonly used in industries such as medicine, cosmetics, and food processing, while isopropanol is mostly used in the chemical industry and in some situations where ethanol is not suitable

In summary, although ethanol and isopropanol are very similar in appearance, they have significant differences in chemical structure and properties, and their application fields also differ. When choosing solvents, it is necessary to choose according to specific needs and safety considerations to avoid unnecessary risks and losses.