Comments on: What is denatured alcohol?

By: Dave Farquhar

Dave Farquhar — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 21:31:12 +0000

In reply to Paul Hampson. My dad did the same for me, maybe 30 years ago. I think the only reason he could was because he was a doctor. I'd completely forgotten about that.

By: Paul Hampson

Paul Hampson — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 02:42:08 +0000

60 years ago my mother was able to buy me a small (4 oz?) bottle of 95% alcohol for chemistry experiments from the local pharmacist, I expect that would be difficult now.

By: Dave Farquhar

Dave Farquhar — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:00:08 +0000

In reply to Shirley Marquez. Updated, thank you!

By: Shirley Marquez

Shirley Marquez — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 13:59:40 +0000

Most vodka is 80 proof, which is 40% ethanol, not 80%. 100 proof vodka (50% ethanol) is also readily available. Vodkas with a higher percentage of ethanol are made, all the way up to Polish-made Spirytus which is 192 proof (96% ethanol).

High percentage ethanol that is not denatured is made for laboratory use; denatured alcohol is not suitable for many experiments because the denaturing ingredients will ruin the results. It is not available for retail purchase in the US; you have to prove that you’re a legitimate research facility to buy it. The most common is 95%, and it can be bought in large drums. 100% ethanol is also made, but it requires special handling and only comes in small packages because ethanol is hygroscopic; in other words, it will absorb water from the atmosphere if left out, quickly reducing to about 95% ethanol. At one time it was common for students at engineering schools to “liberate” some of the 95% ethanol from labs to drink; it’s essentially identical to Everclear so it’s equally safe or unsafe. The schools may be controlling access to it more carefully now.