What are the Different Grades of Ethanol?
Simple Solvents sells ethanol to businesses in several grades. The right grade depends on what you make and whether your process can use denatured alcohol. This guide maps each grade we sell to its product page.
Undenatured ethanol: food grade, USP grade and organic
Undenatured ethanol has no denaturants added. We sell three kinds:
- Food grade alcohol: 190 proof from apple, corn, grape, sugar cane, wheat or whey, and 200 proof from corn. Manufacturers use food grade (undenatured) alcohol as an extraction solvent for flavor extracts, such as vanilla extract.
- USP grade ethanol: 190 proof and 200 proof. If your specification calls for USP grade, send it with your quote request.
- Organic alcohol: 190 proof, made from sugar cane.
All three ship in 55-gallon drums and 270-gallon totes, or in bulk by tanker or railcar.
190 proof vs 200 proof
Proof is twice the percent of ethyl alcohol by volume, measured at 60°F. 190 proof is 95% ethanol by volume, and 200 proof is 100% (anhydrous) ethanol.
Denatured ethanol for industrial and manufacturing uses
Denatured alcohol is ethanol with denaturants added under the formulas in 27 CFR part 21. We sell two specially denatured alcohols (SDA) and one completely denatured alcohol (CDA):
- SDA 3C: Formula No. 3-C adds 5 gallons of isopropyl alcohol to every 100 gallons of alcohol. Its authorized uses include coatings, inks, adhesives and many processing uses (27 CFR 21.37).
- SDA 40B: Formula No. 40-B adds denatonium benzoate and tert-butyl alcohol. Its authorized uses include perfumes, colognes, lotions and deodorants (27 CFR 21.76).
- CDA 12A: completely denatured alcohol, Formula No. 12-A (27 CFR 21.26).
Frequently asked questions
What grades of ethanol does Simple Solvents sell?
Undenatured food grade alcohol, USP grade ethanol and organic alcohol, and denatured SDA 3C, SDA 40B and CDA 12A. We sell to businesses only.
Do you sell USP grade ethanol?
We sell USP grade ethanol in 190 and 200 proof. Send your specification with your quote request. SDS and COA are available upon request.
What is the difference between 190 proof and 200 proof ethanol?
Proof is twice the percent of ethyl alcohol by volume, measured at 60°F. 190 proof is 95% ethanol by volume, and 200 proof is 100% (anhydrous) ethanol.
What is the difference between specially denatured and completely denatured alcohol?
Both are ethanol with denaturants added under 27 CFR part 21. Each specially denatured formula, such as SDA 3C or SDA 40B, lists its authorized uses. Completely denatured alcohol, such as CDA 12A, may be sold and used for any purpose subject to the limitations in its formula, but it may not be used in the manufacture of preparations or products for internal human use or consumption where any of the alcohol or the denaturants used in that alcohol remain in the finished product (27 CFR 20.141).
Do I need a permit to buy CDA 12A?
No TTB permit or bond is needed under 27 CFR part 20 to distribute or use completely denatured alcohol such as CDA 12A. Recovering it for reuse needs a permit only if the recovered alcohol does not contain all of the original denaturants (27 CFR 20.141).
What sizes do you ship?
Food grade, USP grade and organic alcohol ship in 55-gallon drums and 270-gallon totes, or in bulk by tanker or railcar. Quantity and price are confirmed on your quote.
Can I get an SDS or COA?
SDS and COA are available upon request.
Request a quote or call (877) 224-5641.