Description
Denatured Ethanol 96% Industrial
Denatured Ethanol 96% Industrial (CAS 64-17-5, molecular formula C2H6O) is a workhorse solvent across coatings, cleaning and process manufacture, valued for its predictable evaporation behaviour and consistent purity from batch to batch. China Chemicals supplies it at 96% v/v in pack sizes from 1 L through to 200 L Drum, so laboratory trial quantities and full production volumes can be sourced from the same specification.
It is also traded as Ethyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol, IMS. Every consignment ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis and the current Safety Data Sheet, and material is stored and picked under stock rotation so you receive product well inside its shelf life.
Typical applications
- Sanitiser and disinfectant manufacture
- Solvent in shellac, lacquer and wood finishes
- Printing ink and flexographic press wash
- Extraction solvent in botanical and flavour processing
- Fuel additive and burner fuel
Technical specification
| Chemical name | Denatured Ethanol 96% Industrial |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Ethyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol, IMS |
| CAS number | 64-17-5 |
| Molecular formula | C2H6O |
| Appearance | Clear colourless liquid |
| Ethanol content | 96.0% v/v min |
| Denaturant | IPA / Bitrex to spec |
| Water | 4.0% max |
| Acidity as acetic acid | 0.003% max |
| Density at 20°C | 0.807 – 0.810 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Clear, free of sediment |
Values above are typical and are confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis issued against each batch. Tighter specifications can be quoted where a process requires them.
Packaging and supply
Available in 1 L, 5 L, 25 L, 200 L Drum. Bulk, road tanker and export drum quantities are quoted on request, including FOB and CIF terms for international shipment. Pricing shown is per pack in USD, exclusive of freight and any applicable duties.
Handling and safety
Transport classification: UN1170. Confirm the proper shipping name, hazard class and packing group against the current SDS and transport documents before shipping. Primary health hazard: Flammable Liquid, Class 3. Store in the original closed container in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials, and handle using appropriate personal protective equipment. Read the Safety Data Sheet in full before use — it is issued with every order and is available on request before purchase.
Supply to industry only. Products are sold for legitimate industrial, laboratory and manufacturing use. We may request end-use details and business registration before releasing an order.
What Is Denatured Ethanol?
Denatured ethanol (denatured alcohol, industrial methylated spirits) is ethyl alcohol that has had small amounts of denaturants added to make it unfit to drink, so that it can be sold for industrial use without the high taxes applied to potable (drinkable) alcohol. This grade is 96% ethanol by volume, denatured with isopropyl alcohol and/or a bittering agent such as Bitrex to specification. It is a clear, colourless, fast-evaporating solvent that is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, with the formula C2H6O for the ethanol component.
Why Denatured Rather Than Pure Ethanol?
Pure (potable) ethanol attracts excise duty in most countries because it can be consumed. Denaturing adds substances that make the alcohol unpalatable or toxic to drink, which allows it to be supplied for cleaning, solvent and manufacturing uses at industrial prices. The trade-off is that the added denaturant means denatured ethanol must not be used in anything intended for consumption or in products where the denaturant would cause a problem, so always confirm the denaturant type against your application.
Applications
Denatured ethanol is widely used as a cleaning and sanitising solvent, as a fuel (including burner and camping fuel and fuel additives), and as a solvent in paints, coatings, inks, varnishes and shellac. It is used in cosmetics and personal-care manufacturing where permitted, in printing, in the production of other chemicals, and as a general-purpose industrial solvent and thinner. Where a non-denatured, high-purity alcohol is needed, Isopropyl Alcohol is a common alternative.
Handling & Storage
Denatured ethanol is a highly flammable liquid with a low flash point, so keep it away from heat, sparks and open flame, bond and ground containers during transfer, and use good ventilation. Its vapour can form explosive mixtures with air.
It irritates the eyes, and the denaturant can make it more harmful than plain ethanol if swallowed or in contact with skin, so wear gloves and eye protection. Store denatured ethanol in a cool, well-ventilated place in tightly closed containers away from ignition sources and strong oxidisers, and follow the current Safety Data Sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is denatured ethanol used for?
As a cleaning and sanitising solvent, a fuel, and a solvent in paints, inks, varnishes, shellac, cosmetics manufacturing and general industry.
Why is ethanol denatured?
Denaturing makes the alcohol unfit to drink, which allows it to be sold for industrial use without the excise duty applied to drinkable alcohol.
Can denatured ethanol be used in food or drink?
No. The denaturant makes it unsuitable and in many cases unsafe for consumption. Use a food or pharmaceutical grade of ethanol for any consumable application.
What denaturant is used?
This grade uses isopropyl alcohol and/or a bittering agent such as Bitrex to specification. Confirm the exact denaturant you need for your application before ordering.
What packaging and order quantities are available?
We supply denatured ethanol from trial quantities through to full bulk orders. Contact us with your required volume for current pricing and lead time.
For further independent reference, see the Wikipedia entry on denatured alcohol, and browse our full Solvents & Alcohols range.
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