Ethanol 96%

CAS Number:

64-17-5

Chem/INCI Name: 

Alcohol (Denat.) or Ethanol

Molecular Formula:

C2H6O

Molecular Weight:

46.07 g/mol

Uses:

A versatile solvent and disinfectant, commonly supplied as 96% v/v (vol/vol). The key property of this concentration is that it is an azeotrope, meaning it cannot be further purified by simple distillation. It is widely used in:

· Personal Care & Cosmetics: Acts as a solvent, astringent, and carrier for fragrances and active ingredients. It is also a core component in hand sanitizers and disinfectants.

· Laboratory & Analytical Chemistry: Employed as a primary solvent for precipitation, extraction, and analysis due to its purity and reproducibility.

· Industrial & Technical: Used in the production of inks, coatings, detergents, and as a general-purpose solvent.

Origin:

Ethanol is produced either by fermentation of biomass (sugars from crops like corn or sugarcane) or by synthetic processes such as the catalytic hydration of ethylene.

What does Ethanol 96% do in a formulation?

Its primary functions are:

• Solvent (for dissolving other substances)
• Antimicrobial (disinfectant)
• Astringent (skin-tightening)
• Viscosity Decreasing Agent

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Causes serious eye irritation.

· Primary Hazards: Flammable, with a flash point as low as 17°C. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to ignition sources.

· Safety Precautions: Requires storage in well-ventilated areas away from heat and open flames. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Technical profile: