Denatureret

Denatureret is a Danish word that translates to "denatured" in English. It refers to a substance that has been altered from its natural state, typically to make it unfit for a specific purpose, most commonly for human consumption. This process is often applied to alcohol, where denaturants are added to render it undrinkable and therefore exempt from certain taxes levied on potable spirits.

The denaturing of alcohol serves several practical purposes. It allows for the widespread use of industrial-grade alcohol in applications such as solvents, cleaning agents, and fuel without the risk of it being diverted for beverage use. Different countries have specific regulations regarding the types and quantities of denaturants that must be used to ensure the alcohol is truly undrinkable. Common denaturants include methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and bittering agents like denatonium benzoate.

Denaturation is not exclusive to alcohol. The term can also apply to proteins, where physical or chemical treatments cause them to lose their three-dimensional structure and biological activity. For instance, heating an egg causes the proteins in the egg white to denature and solidify. This type of denaturation is often irreversible. In a broader sense, denatured can describe anything that has been spoiled, corrupted, or degraded from its original or intended form.