Dry alcohol: the history of appearance and application
Dry alcohol: the history of appearance and application
In fact, dry alcohol does not apply to alcoholsat all. This substance is called dry fuel or urotropin. It is freely sold in any hunting store in the form of small tablets at a low price.
History of the appearance of dry alcohol
Dry alcohol was first obtained by an outstandingRussian chemist A.M. Butlerov, who synthesized not one dozen useful organic compounds. This substance is a mixture of urotropine with a small amount of paraffin. The scientist received it in 1859 by reacting formaldehyde with an aqueous solution of ammonia. Why is the name "dry alcohol" so well established? The thing is that urotropine does not form soot, smoke and soot during combustion. This is very similar to ethyl alcohol. Until 2010, Russia used urotropine as a food additive (E239) for the production of caviar and other fish products. He significantly increased the shelf life of perishable products. Studies conducted by scientists have shown that urotropine, when interacting with any acids, forms dangerous formaldehyde, which can cause cancerous formations. It was banned for use in the food industry, nevertheless unscrupulous firms still add it to their products. Before buying caviar or fish canned food, be sure to look at the composition.Application
Today, urotropine is used only forthe manufacture of dry fuel. He has a lot of advantages, which makes him so popular among fans of hunting and just relaxing in nature. Dry alcohol is good and burns for a long time. One tablet can maintain a stable flame for up to 15 minutes. Dry alcohol is especially useful in places where it is impossible to get any fuel: mountains, steppes, stony terrain. It can be easily ignited even during a weak rain. This is used by soldiers in the field. No wonder each soldier is supplied with dry alcohol. It is lit on a small metal stand. The price of this fuel is low (about 25 rubles per package). It is sold in the form of small tablets, which occupy very little space in the backpack, they can be taken with you on foot.disadvantages
To drawbacks of dry alcohol can be attributed tooweak flame. It is not enough to cook food, but it is enough to warm up the tea. For cooking, it is better to take a gas burner. The flame is sensitive to the wind, a strong gust can easily extinguish it. Dry alcohol smells very unpleasant. If it gets wet, it immediately starts to shoot with sparks. Despite all the shortcomings, dry fuel is gaining popularity among hikers.
