Ask A Scientist Chemistry Archive

name         Chance
status       educator
grade        9-12
location     IL

Question -   What type of alcohol is used to make colognes and body
sprays?  I have been told to use 70% Isopropyl alcohol but the alcohol
smell over powers the cologne fragrance.  Also, some bottles of body
spray list denatured alcohol as their key ingredient.
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Usually ethanol (CH3-CH2-OH) is used because the odor of isopropyl alcohol
([CH3]2-CH-OH) is dominant. "Denatured alcohol" is the same as ethanol,
but various other additives have been mixed in so that it cannot be
consumed by mouth.

Vince Calder
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