Final answer:
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol are the two alcohols effective for microbial control, and a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol is more effective than a 100% solution for inhibiting microbial growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two alcohols that are effective in microbial control are ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is the same type found in alcoholic beverages and is often used as a disinfectant at a certain concentration.
Isopropyl alcohol, commonly referred to as rubbing alcohol, is another effective disinfectant against bacteria and viruses. Both substances are commonly found in hand sanitizers, usually ranging from 60% to 80% in concentration, with the remaining content typically made up of substances like ethylene or glycerin to maintain skin softness.
It is worth noting that a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol is more effective at inhibiting microbial growth than a 100% solution because the presence of water allows for better penetration into the microbial cells and denaturation of proteins.