Ethanol Anhydrous CAS 64-17-5: Properties, Grades, Industrial Applications, and Procurement
Release time: 2026-08-26
Table of Contents
1. What is Ethanol Anhydrous?
Ethanol Anhydrous, also known as Absolute Ethanol or Anhydrous Ethyl Alcohol, is a high-purity ethanol product characterized by its tightly controlled, extremely low water content. While standard hydrated ethanol typically contains about 4% to 5% water due to forming an azeotrope during standard distillation, the anhydrous variant undergoes advanced dehydration processes to achieve purities of 99.5% and above. The fundamental distinction lies not just in the main assay, but in the rigorous limitation of moisture.
As a highly versatile polar organic solvent, this chemical is indispensable across multiple global industries. Commercially, the term “anhydrous” must always be tied to specific technical specifications, including the exact alcohol concentration, moisture limits, denatured status, and applicable industry grades. Today, it holds immense industrial value, widely utilized as a reaction medium, extraction fluid, cleaning agent, formulation component, and oxygenated fuel blending ingredient in sectors ranging from pharmaceutical processing to electronics manufacturing.
2. Basic Product Identification
For procurement professionals, chemical engineers, and logisticians, confirming the exact identity and packaging options of the chemical is the first critical step. Below is the basic product information table for quick reference.
| Product Name | Ethanol Anhydrous / Absolute Ethanol |
| CAS Registry Number | 64-17-5 |
| EC Number | 200-578-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₆O |
| Molecular Weight | 46.07 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, volatile liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic sweet, alcoholic odor |
| Common Purities | 99.5%, 99.8%, 99.9% (or customized to client standards) |
| Moisture Content | Determined by grade, test method, and client requirements |
| Standard Packaging | 160 kg Steel Drums, IBC Totes, ISO Tanks, or bulk vessels |
| Hazard Profile | Highly Flammable Liquid. Storage & transport must avoid ignition sources. |
Regulatory Note: In United States occupational safety data and international logistics, it is classified as a highly flammable chemical, with a flash point of approximately 13°C–14°C and explosive limits of 3.3%–19% by volume.
3. Physicochemical Properties and Their Industrial Impact
Understanding the physicochemical parameters of Absolute Ethanol is crucial, as these traits directly dictate its performance in specific industrial environments. It is not merely about reading a data sheet; it is about how these properties interact with your unique manufacturing processes.
- High Volatility: With a relatively low boiling point, the liquid evaporates rapidly at room temperature. This is highly beneficial for fast-drying applications, residue control, surface cleaning, coatings, and electronic component degreasing where leaving zero moisture behind is critical.
- Complete Miscibility with Water: It mixes completely with water in all proportions. This facilitates the easy preparation of hydroalcoholic systems, complex extraction mediums, and multi-component liquid formulations.
- Excellent Solvency Power: It effectively dissolves a vast array of organic compounds, resins, fragrance components, pharmaceutical intermediates, and formulation additives, making it a universal base for chemical engineering.
- Polar Solvent Characteristics: It offers a unique balance, accommodating systems that require both hydrophilicity and the ability to dissolve specific organic materials.
- Hygroscopicity: This is a vital handling characteristic. The anhydrous liquid eagerly absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. Consequently, strict sealing, nitrogen blanketing, and controlled transfer processes are mandatory to prevent the degradation of its low-moisture specifications during storage.
- Flammability: As a Class 2 Flammable Liquid, its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air. This dictates logistics, warehouse design, production facility engineering, and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) management.
Key Technical Parameters
| Boiling Point | Approx. 78.3°C |
| Melting Point | Approx. −114°C |
| Density | Approx. 0.786–0.789 g/cm³ (at ambient temperature) |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | Approx. 13°C – 14°C |
| Water Solubility | Fully miscible in all proportions |
| Vapor Pressure | High; readily volatilizes at room temperature |
| Vapor Density | 1.59 (Heavier than air; vapors can pool in low areas) |
| Combustion Hazard | Flammable liquid; vapor/air mixtures are explosive |
4. “Anhydrous” Does Not Mean “Identical”: Navigating Specifications
A common pitfall in chemical sourcing is assuming that all “anhydrous” materials are the same. In reality, purchasing requires careful confirmation of several technical and regulatory parameters to ensure the product matches the intended application.
- Main Assay: While all are high-purity, there is a technical difference between 99.5%, 99.8%, and 99.9%. Highly sensitive electronic or pharmaceutical processes often demand the absolute highest purity.
- Moisture Limits & Detection: How is the moisture measured? Karl Fischer titration is the standard method for precise water content verification in low-moisture liquids.
- Denatured vs. Undenatured: This is critical. Denatured alcohol contains additives (like Bitrex, IPA, or Methanol) making it unfit for human consumption, which usually exempts it from heavy excise taxes. Undenatured alcohol is pure, heavily regulated, and requires specific permits, licenses, and tax considerations depending on the country.
- Targeted Grades: The market offers Industrial grade, Reagent grade, Analytical grade (AR), Pharmacopeia grades (USP/NF, EP), Food grade, Electronic grade, or bespoke custom specifications.
- Impurity Profiles: Beyond water, buyers must scrutinize limits for methanol, aldehydes, ketones, acidity, evaporation residue, iron ions, chloride ions, and non-volatile matter (NVM).
- Documentation: Reputable suppliers should provide batch-specific COA (Certificate of Analysis), SDS (Safety Data Sheet), TDS (Technical Data Sheet), certificates of origin, and regulatory compliance declarations.
5. Overview of Main Application Sectors
| Pharmaceuticals & APIs | Reaction solvent, crystallization medium, extraction fluid, excipient | Pharmacopeia compliance (USP/EP), methanol limits, batch traceability, GMP docs |
| Fine Chemicals | Esterification, condensation, recrystallization, post-reaction treatment | Strict moisture limits, impurity profile, supply stability, reaction compatibility |
| Lab & Analytical | Sample preparation, chromatography, glassware cleaning, reagent prep | Reagent grade, UV absorbance, non-volatile residue, specific packaging |
| Coatings, Inks & Resins | Solvent and diluent; adjusts viscosity, drying speed, and film formation | Moisture content, evaporation rate, resin compatibility, VOC regulations |
| Electronics & Precision | Removes oils, grease, flux residues, and organic contaminants | Ultra-high purity, low moisture, extremely low particle and ionic limits |
| Cosmetics & Fragrances | Fragrance carrier, primary solvent, formulation base | Odor profile, color, regulatory documentation, denaturant restrictions |
| Agrochemicals | Solubilizes active ingredients, improves liquid formulation processing | Active ingredient compatibility, flash point, transport compliance |
| Sanitization & Cleaning | Active biocidal component or fast-evaporating carrier | Final formulation concentration, local biocide regulations, claim compliance |
| Fuels & Energy | Oxygenated gasoline blending component or industrial fuel | Water content limits, specific denaturants, bulk logistics, local fuel standards |
6. Industry-Specific Applications
To understand the sheer versatility of CAS 64-17-5, we must look closely at how different sectors utilize its unique properties.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
In this application, the chemical primarily serves as a high-purity reaction solvent, crystallization agent, and botanical extraction medium, helping to achieve consistent API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) synthesis and formulation stability. When selecting a product for this sector, buyers must rigorously evaluate the alcohol concentration, moisture content, methanol limits, denatured status (as undenatured is often required), and strict compliance with pharmacopeia standards (such as USP or EP) accompanied by robust GMP documentation.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Chemical Synthesis
In this application, it primarily serves as a crucial reactant (e.g., in esterification to produce ethyl esters) or a moisture-free reaction medium, helping to achieve high yields and prevent unwanted hydrolysis in water-sensitive chemical reactions. Actual selection requires careful evaluation of the moisture limit, specific impurity spectrums (like aldehydes or acidity), compatibility with sensitive catalysts, and the reliability of bulk supply.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Coatings and Inks
In this application, the product primarily serves as a fast-evaporating solvent and thinner, helping to achieve optimal viscosity, precise drying times, and excellent film-forming properties on various substrates. Buyers in this industry should focus heavily on the evaporation rate, moisture levels (as water can cause cloudiness or “blushing” in clear coats), resin compatibility, and adherence to local VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emission regulations.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Electronics Cleaning
In this application, it primarily serves as a precision degreaser and defluxing agent, helping to achieve pristine printed circuit boards (PCBs) and sensitive electronic components by removing solder flux and organic residues. For this highly demanding sector, procurement must prioritize ultra-high purity grades, extremely low moisture, minimal non-volatile residue (NVM), and stringent control over particulate and ionic contamination to prevent short circuits.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Extraction Processes
In this application, the chemical primarily serves as a highly efficient extraction fluid, helping to achieve maximum yield of essential oils, cannabinoids, herbal extracts, and natural flavors. When sourcing for extraction, processors must evaluate the solvent’s purity, ensuring the absence of toxic denaturants (if destined for human consumption), limits on heavy metals, and the availability of food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade regulatory paperwork.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Agrochemical Formulations
In this application, it primarily serves as a solubilizer and co-solvent, helping to achieve stable, homogeneous liquid formulations of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Formulators must evaluate the solvent’s compatibility with complex active ingredients, its impact on the formulation’s overall flash point, and compliance with agricultural chemical transportation and environmental regulations.
Ethanol Anhydrous for Cosmetics and Fragrance Applications
In this application, the chemical primarily serves as an odorless carrier and volatile base, helping to achieve the perfect dispersion of aromatic compounds and smooth application of personal care products. Actual selection hinges on evaluating the odor profile (requiring completely neutral scent), color clarity, acceptable cosmetic denaturants, and comprehensive safety and allergen declarations.
7. Safety, Handling, and Storage Protocols
Because Ethanol Anhydrous is categorized as a Class 2 Flammable Liquid under CLP regulations (Hazard statement H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor), strict adherence to safety protocols is non-negotiable.
- Ignition Prevention: The liquid and its vapors must be kept strictly away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces, and static discharge.
- Facility Engineering: Production and filling zones must be equipped with explosion-proof electrical fittings, robust local exhaust ventilation, and comprehensive grounding/bonding systems to prevent static buildup during fluid transfer.
- Vapor Management: The vapor density is 1.59 (heavier than air). Operating procedures must prevent vapor accumulation, paying special attention to low-lying areas, confined spaces, trenches, and poorly ventilated corners where explosive mixtures can form.
- Moisture Control & Storage: Storage containers (tanks, drums) must remain tightly sealed at all times. Due to its hygroscopic nature, exposure to ambient air will degrade the anhydrous specification. It should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated dedicated hazardous chemical warehouses, strictly isolated from strong oxidizing agents.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Personnel must operate in accordance with the site risk assessment and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), utilizing appropriate PPE such as chemical splash goggles, solvent-resistant gloves, and anti-static protective clothing.
- Compliance: All transport, labeling, and packaging must comply with the dangerous goods regulations (e.g., IMDG, ADR, DOT) of the origin and destination regions.
8. Guide for Buyers
When issuing inquiries to suppliers for this solvent, clarity is key. Providing exact parameters will speed up the quotation process and ensure the receipt of the correct material. Procurement teams should confirm the following:
- Required Grade: Specify whether you need Industrial, Pharmaceutical (USP/EP), Reagent (ACS), Food, Electronic, or a Custom grade.
- Purity and Moisture Limits: State the minimum acceptable alcohol percentage (e.g., ≥99.8%) and the absolute maximum moisture content (e.g., ≤0.1%).
- Tax & Denaturant Status: Clearly state if you require undenatured (pure) alcohol, or if you accept denatured alcohol. If denatured, you must specify the acceptable denaturant system (e.g., Methanol, IPA, Bitrex) based on your local laws and process compatibility.
- Impurity Constraints: List specific detection limits for critical impurities that could poison your catalysts or ruin your final product.
- Packaging Options: Specify your volume and handling capabilities. Options include small lab bottles, 160 kg/200 L steel drums, 1000 L IBC totes, large ISO Tanks, or bulk liquid vessels.
- Volume & Delivery: State your estimated annual or quarterly purchasing volume to negotiate better terms, and clarify your preferred delivery rhythm.
- Logistics: Confirm the destination port or facility and ensure the supplier handles dangerous goods (Class 3 Flammable) export compliance.
- Essential Documentation: Request the mandatory paperwork upfront: COA, SDS, TDS, Dangerous Goods Packaging Certificate, REACH registration (for EU), and Certificates of Origin.
- Quality Assurance: Clarify if you require pre-shipment samples, third-party SGS/Intertek testing, or specific batch retention.
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FAQ for Ethanol Anhydrous CAS 64-17-5
What is the main difference between Ethanol Anhydrous and standard Ethanol?
The core difference lies in the moisture content. Standard ethanol (often around 95-96% purity) contains roughly 4-5% water due to the limits of normal distillation. The anhydrous version undergoes special dehydration processes to remove almost all water, achieving purities of 99.5% or higher. Your choice depends entirely on whether your manufacturing process or chemical reaction can tolerate the presence of water.
How should I choose between 99.5%, 99.8%, and 99.9% purity levels?
The choice should be based on your process sensitivity and budget. For general solvent use or coatings, 99.5% is often sufficient. For chemical synthesis involving water-sensitive catalysts, 99.8% is standard. For highly demanding applications like electronic component cleaning, semiconductor manufacturing, or highly sensitive analytical lab work, 99.9% with strict non-volatile residue controls is strictly necessary.
What are the most common and safest packaging options for international shipping?
Because it is a highly flammable and hygroscopic liquid, packaging must ensure both safety and moisture exclusion. For smaller industrial volumes, sealed 160 kg steel drums are common. For medium volumes, UN-rated IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) totes are preferred for easy forklift handling. For large-scale global procurement, ISO Tanks are the most cost-effective and secure method, ensuring the chemical remains uncontaminated and safe during long ocean transits.