Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or sometimes grain alcohol, is commonly use for a variety of industrial and manufacturing operations. It can be used as a chemical solvent, a fuel, a cleaner or antiseptic, and a chemical intermediate. It is also commonly known by the general public as the psychoactive substance in alcoholic drinks.
ChemCeed offers a full line of ethanol products in various proofs, grades, and packaging options. Commercially, Ethanol can be produced naturally from the fermentation of grains (i.e. “grain ethanol”) or synthetically via petrochemical processes. Most ethanols produced in North America are produced from corn grain. Additionally, there are ethanol’s available from wheat, sugar cane, beet, and other fruits such as grapes and apples. ChemCeed also offers some ethanols certified as organic, Kosher, and Kosher for Passover.
Because ethanol is considered a consumable substance, it is regulated the Federal Government’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Each individual state may have its own unique ethanol regulations as well. Depending on the type of Ethanol the user is purchasing it might be subject to a Federal Excise Tax or the user might have to hold an Industrial Alcohol User permit in order to purchase the ethanol. There are certain types of denatured ethanols that are not subject to these regulations.
The different types of ethanol’s are described below:
Pure Ethanol:
These products contain only ethyl alcohol and water with other intentionally added additives or components. Anhydrous alcohols fall under this category, as well as ethanol that has been “cut” with water to a particular percentage or proof. These ethanols are subject to the Federal Excise Tax.
Federal Excise Tax is collected by the federal government according to the “Proof gallon” of the alcohol. The formula to calculate proof gallons is as follows: (Proof of Alcohol x Number of Gallons / 100). The federal excise tax rate is $13.50 per proof gallon.
Specially Denatured Alcohols (SDA):
Specially Denatured Alcohols (SDAs) are ethanols that have additives called denaturants added to them to render them unfit for drinking purposes. These denaturants can be things such as methanol, ethyl acetate, and Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). The formulas of the different SDA’s are strictly defined and given formula numbers, which have approved uses specific to each application (i.e. SDA 38B is approved for use as mouthwash). The full list of SDA formulas and their approved uses can be found online on the Federal Register website Title 27 Code of Federal Regulations part 21.
SDA’s are not subject to the Federal Excise Tax. However, because the denaturants added to SDS’s are relatively small amounts and are approved for sensitive applications such as personal care, flavor, and fragrance, the user could theoretically distill the denaturants out of the product and still consume it and so the government requires users of these products to have a permit. Permits to purchase SDA’s can be applied for via the TTB website.
Completely Denatured Alcohols (CDA):
Completely Denatured Alcohols (CDA’s) have a harsher denaturant added to them compared to the SDA’s. Denaturants for CDA’s include things like gasoline or kerosene. While CDA formula’s are still regulated by the Federal Government, these alcohols are not subject to either the Federal Excise Tax or Industrial Alcohol User permits.
Special Industrial Solvents (SIS):
Special Industrial Solvents (SIS) are SDA’s that have had additional denaturants added to them so that they are no longer require a permit to purchase. The formula for SIS alcohols must still be defined and approved by the Federal Government, and as the name implies are designed for industrial use applications.
Reagent Alcohol:
Reagent Alcohol is a general use alcohol that is made by adding additional IPA to SDA 3A. Because it has been additionally denatured, it does not require a permit to purchase. Reagent Alcohol is available in various grades and is commonly used for laboratory work.
Proofs, Grades, and Packaging Options
ChemCeed commonly sells 200 Proof and 190 Proof ethanol, but many ethanols can be cut to a custom proof level upon request. Grades available include ACS, USP/NF, FCC, and HPLC/UV for most ethanols. Various packaging sizes are available depending on the particular ethanol, from railcars and bulk tankers, 55 gallon drums, all the way down to gallon, liter, and pint bottles. Custom blending and private label options are also available depending on formula and order volumes. Please inquire with ChemCeed for more details.