Alcohol vs. Ammonia — What's the Difference?

Any organic compound with one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom.

A hazardous substance that must be handled with care.

A substance regulated by laws in many countries.

An important industrial chemical used in the production of fertilizers.

A colorless volatile liquid formed by the fermentation of sugars.

A pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen.

A solvent used in various industrial and laboratory applications.

A compound that produces a strong, irritating smell.

A recreational psychoactive substance.

A refrigerant used in large industrial refrigeration systems.

In chemistry, alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least one hydroxyl functional group (−OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom. The term alcohol originally referred to the primary alcohol ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is used as a drug and is the main alcohol present in alcoholic drinks.

Ammonia is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. A stable binary hydride, and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinct characteristic of a pungent smell.

A colourless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel

A colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell, which dissolves in water to give a strongly alkaline solution.

Any of a series of hydroxyl compounds, the simplest of which are derived from saturated hydrocarbons, have the general formula CnH2n+1OH, and include ethanol and methanol.

A colorless, pungent gas, NH3, extensively used to manufacture fertilizers and a wide variety of nitrogen-containing organic and inorganic chemicals. Ammonia is the chief nitrogen product excreted by fish and other aquatic animals.

A colorless volatile flammable liquid, C2H5OH, synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches and widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives, and intoxicating beverages. Also called ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol.

See ammonium hydroxide.

Intoxicating beverages containing ethanol considered as a group

(inorganic compound) A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH₃, with a pungent smell and taste.

Any of a class of organic compounds (such as ethanol) containing a hydroxyl functional group (-OH).

A solution of this compound in water used domestically as a cleaning fluid.

(colloquial) Ethanol.

A gaseous compound of hydrogen and nitrogen, NH3, with a pungent smell and taste: - often called volatile alkali, and spirits of hartshorn.

(uncountable) Beverages containing ethanol, collectively.

A pungent gas compounded of nitrogen and hydrogen (NH3)

(obsolete) Any very fine powder.

A water solution of ammonia

An impalpable powder.

The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation.

Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit (called also ethyl alcohol or ethanol, CH3.CH2.OH); the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous fermentation.

A class of compounds analogous to vinic alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical ethyl forms common or ethyl alcohol (C2H5.OH); methyl forms methyl alcohol (CH3.OH) or wood spirit; amyl forms amyl alcohol (C5H11.OH) or fusel oil, etc.

A liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent;

Any of a series of volatile hydroxyl compounds that are made from hydrocarbons by distillation

No, mixing them can produce harmful reactions and should be avoided.

Yes, both are used in various household products but for different purposes.

Ammonia is used mainly as a cleaner and in fertilizer production.

Alcohol is used in beverages, as an antiseptic, and as a solvent.

Protective gear and adequate ventilation are essential due to its caustic nature and fumes.

Ethanol is the type of alcohol safe for consumption, whereas others can be toxic.

Yes, it is used in food production, particularly in food preservation and processing.

Excessive consumption can lead to toxicity and health issues like liver damage.

Ammonia can contribute to air pollution and has significant effects on water quality.

Symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow breathing, and unconsciousness.

Alcohol sale and consumption are regulated by age limits and licensing laws.

Ammonia can cause severe respiratory issues and burns if not handled properly.

Yes, alcohol is highly flammable and must be stored away from open flames.

Yes, ammonia is part of the nitrogen cycle and can be found in soil, water, and air.

Ammonia is produced through the Haber-Bosch process, combining nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure.