The term "Alcohol" can literally mean Pure Ethanol, Denatured Ethanol (Alcohol) as well as other alcohols which are not Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol). The term "Alcohol" can mean Pure Alcohol which is undenatured Ethanol. This means that it is suitable for consumption. The term "Alcohol" can refer to pure alcohol at any level of concentration (proof). Therefore, pure alcohol is a correct term for 100% Ethanol (200 proof), 95% Ethanol (190 proof) and any concentration of Ethanol (Vodka is 40% Ethanol). The term "Alcohol" can mean Denatured alcohol. Denatured alcohol is Ethanol which has been made unsuitable for consumption by addition of toxic solvents to the pure alcohol. The term "Alcohol" can therefore refer to any denatured ethanol product, regardless of the proof of Ethanol and the concentration of Ethanol in the denatured product (i.e., SDA-39C is referred to as Specially denatured "Alcohol," even though it contains 1% Diethyl Phthalate as a denaturant and even though the Ethanol content of this mixture can be 190 proof or 200 proof.) There are several hundred standard formulas of denatured alcohol (Ethanol). All of them can be called "Alcohol." The term "Alcohol" can also refer to other solvents which are non-Ethanol based but which are chemically classified as Alcohols. For instance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, Butyl Alcohol, & Propyl Alcohol are all "alcohol" but none are ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol). Since Pharmco manufactures a wide range of Alcohol products, care must be taken when using the term alcohol, to communicate what product or class of products is being requested.
Pure vs. Purity
Please note the difference between the term "Pure" and "Purity". The former denotes an undenatured product (or a product with a single component) as opposed to a mixture. The latter term purity, refers to the assay or percent composition of the chemical. For instance 190 proof pure Ethanol has an assay (Purity) of 95% Ethanol and 5% water. . This distinction is very important when discussing the critical levels of contaminants and other specifications of a wide range of chemical products. When referring to the purity of the product, it is better to use the term assay. When referring to undenatured Ethanol, the term Pure Alcohol is suitable.
Natural vs. Synthetic
All Ethanol Products can be made with naturally derived Ethanol (commonly referred to as "Grain" alcohol), or synthetically produced Ethanol. Natural alcohol is commonly referred to as Grain Alcohol because almost all commercial alcohol produced in North America is derived from grain (corn). Not all naturally derived Ethanol however, comes from grain (corn). Ethanol can be naturally produced (fermented) from any carbohydrate source. Some of the other common sources are wheat, cane, beet and other fruits such as grape and apple. While grain and synthetic alcohol is technically the same (the molecule is identical), there are differences in the limited amount of contaminants in the product, the most predominant being sec-Butanol, Acetone and Methanol. An experienced chemist with a High Resolution Gas Chromatograph can detect the difference in grain and synthetic by looking at these contaminants in the parts-per-million (ppm) range. Pharmco Products manufactures both grain and synthetic grades of all its alcohol products. If these minute differences are critical to your application, then the type of alcohol must be specifically requested at the time of ordering.
190 vs. 200 Proof
All Ethanol products, whether pure or denatured, natural or synthetic, has a proof associated with the product description. The proof is a measure of the water content of the Ethanol portion of the product and any level of proof can be manufactured based upon the amount of water added (referred to as dilution or cut of water). To define it another way, the proof is a measure of the Ethanol content of Alcohol and is calculated as two times (2x) the actual Ethanol concentration by volume. Industrially, the majority of all Ethanol products, whether pure or denatured can be classified as 200 proof or 190 proof. The third most common proof is 192. This is used mainly in beverage grade applications. Remember, the proof is a measure of the water or Ethanol content of pure or denatured Alcohol. This is true even if the Ethanol is only one component of the finished product as with all denatured Ethanol products. So every Ethanol product can be and should be referred to and requested as 200 proof, 190 proof or some other proof.
It is interesting to note that upon distillation of Ethanol, a 95% Ethanol-5% water mixture is the highest purity that can be obtained. This is equivalent to 190 proof. To increase the purity to 200 proof (100% Ethanol), a third component must be introduced, breaking the water-ethanol bond and allowing the new mixture to distill off. This final mixture then has to be re-distilled in order to obtain 200 proof (pure) Ethanol. New technology now achieves this same result through the use of molecular sieves. These added steps is the reason 200 proof Ethanol is always more expensive than 190 proof.
Proof Gallon vs. Wine Gallon
Since the Federal Govt. taxes by the "Proof Gallon," the proof becomes significant in taxable situations. For instance, 200 proof, pure Ethanol has two (2) "Proof Gallons" per every one (1) gallon of Alcohol. The actual physical quantity of one (1) gallon is then referred to as a "wine gallon." 190 proof Ethanol has 1.9 proof gallons per wine gallon of Ethanol. One gallon of Vodka (80 proof) has 0.80 proof gallons of Ethanol. So, we have proof gallon and wine gallon as additional descriptions for the content of Ethanol product.
Taxable vs. Non-Taxable
Pure alcohol is considered taxable alcohol. The Federal Govt. requires an excise tax of $13.50/ proof gallon (200 proof, pure alcohol = $27.00/wine gallon). A tax-exempt certificate is required to be on file with Pharmco for us not to charge the Federal excise tax on pure alcohol. The excise tax is paid immediately to the Federal Govt. Pharmco Products does not make any profit from collecting or handling the excise tax, nor does it receive a portion of it as a fee. This is why Pharmco has strict policies regarding payment of the excise tax. All other denatured Ethanol products do not require the payment of a Federal Excise Tax. Only customers with an exemption from paying the Federal Excise Tax on Alcohol are free from paying this tax. Eligibility for exemption is determined by the BATF and not Pharmco.
Note: Pharmco designates different catalog numbers for Tax Free and Tax Paid Alcohol
All tax free alcohol starts with the catalog number 111
All Pure tax paid alcohol starts with the catalog number 112
Anhyrdous Alcohol
Anhydrous Alcohol literally means no-water alcohol but in reality means low-water alcohol. This distinction is synonymous with 200 proof Alcohol. Another term for anhydrous is Punctilious (USI trademark). Our anhydrous grades of Alcohol are always below 0.3% water, typically below 0.2% water and many grades are certified below 0.1% water. The term Punctilious is a USI trademark used to denote a pure alcohol 200 proof. Some customers are not aware that this is a commercial trademark used by Pharmco to denote its products. It is also important to note that the term "Anhydrous" is not synonymous with the term pure. Pure Alcohol denotes an undenatured alcohol, which could be anhydrous or hydrated (190 proof or some other cut or proof). The term anhydrous is not unique to Alcohol products. It is also used for a wide range of high purity solvents, many of which are manufactured by Pharmco. Unless an ACS, USP/NF, FCC, or BP monograph exists for an Anhydrous product (for example), the customer must specify the maximum level of water allowed. Almost all Pharmco’s High Purity Solvents are Anhydrous. Check the specifications and typical lot analysis listed for each product to determine if the water levels are within the tolerance of your application.
Grade Certification
Pure Alcohol as well as many solvents and acids can be certified to a specific grade. This means that the product is tested for a number of parameters (the product specifications) to determine if the raw material meets the maximum and minimum requirements for purity and other contaminants. Grade Certification can also refer to the manner in which the product has been manufactured, processed and/or packaged. When this is done according the guidelines that the Federal Government (through the FDA) has established, i.e., Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), the product can be certified as USP, NF (USP/NF) and FCC. Other process certifications are "Kosher" and Organic Grades.
Pure Undenatured Ethanol
Pure Ethanol is Ethyl Alcohol with no other additives or denaturants. Pharmco’s Pure Ethanol is among the highest quality in the world. Pure Ethanol is often referred to as pure alcohol even though the term pure alcohol can refer to any proof of Ethanol. Pure Alcohol is still considered "pure" regardless of the "cut" of water (i.e., pure, 200 proof Ethanol is referred to as pure alcohol, while Vodka is also referred to as pure alcohol, even though it is only 80 proof). The term pure alcohol can also refer to other high purity alcohols such as Methyl Alcohol, Butyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol etc. Pure Alcohol (Ethanol) is also commonly referred to as Beverage Grade Alcohol. Beverage Grade Alcohol is always 192 proof and is derived from natural sources. Pharmco sells 192 proof Pure Ethanol which is our product "Grain Neutral Spirits". Pharmco does not however, sell alcohol for consumption purposes.
Pure USP Alcohol
Pure Alcohol (Ethanol) is also commonly referred to as USP Alcohol. That is because only pure, undenatured Ethanol can be certified as the "grade" USP/NF (United States Pharmacopoeia - National Formulary). Not all pure alcohol is certified as USP grade, but only 190 proof and 200 proof pure ethanol which meets or exceeds the stringent specifications set forth in U.S. Pharmacopoeia, 23rd Ed. Pure USP Alcohol is used in a wide variety of applications in the industrial, health, education and research markets. Pure USP Alcohol is desirable in many applications due to its high level of performance and low level of toxicity relative to other solvents. 200 Proof Ethanol is often referred to as "Dehydrated," "Anhydrous," or "Absolute Ethanol." Anhydrous Ethanol is preferred in water sensitive applications. Both 190 & 200 Proof Ethanol USP can be certified as Kosher. Pure USP Alcohol can be certified from Synthetic or Natural Sources.
Grain Neutral Spirits (GNS)
Grain Neutral Spirits is a term given to high purity grain alcohol which has a neutral odor. Pharmco’s Grain Neutral Spirits is derived from corn. GNS provides an attractive alternative to synthetic alcohol. Many customers use grain alcohol in their all-natural products. It is available as 200 proof (100%), 192 proof (96%) or 190 proof (95%). It meets or exceeds the stringent purity specifications of USP Ethanol (note, only 190 & 200 proof can be certified as USP). This product can also be certified as Kosher.
ACS Grade Alcohol
ACS Grade alcohol is pure alcohol used in industry, hospitals and research facilities. This product meets or exceeds the stringent specifications set forth in the American Chemical Society’s Reagent Handbook. Ethanol ACS is a pure undenatured solvent. It is available as 190 proof (95% by volume) or 200 proof (100% by volume). 200 Proof Ethanol is often referred to as "Dehydrated," "Anhydrous," or "Absolute Ethanol." Anhydrous Ethanol is preferred in water sensitive applications.
Organic Alcohol
Organic Alcohol is a specialty pure alcohol derived from organically grown corn. All phases of the production process including fermentation, distillation, packaging and shipping are done under strict organic guidelines. Pharmco has been certified by Quality Assurance International to handle Organic Grain Alcohol. Organic Alcohol meets consumer demand for a naturally pure product. It is an ideal raw material in flavor/herbal extractions, organic cosmetics, fragrances and personal care products. Pharmco’s Organic Alcohol is gluten-free. Gluten, a protein component of the corn kernel is removed early in the distillation process. Therefore, consumers sensitive to gluten allergens can safely use this product. Pharmco’s Organic Alcohol is also certified as Kosher and can therefore be used in practically all manufacturing processes. Organic Alcohol is only available at 190 proof, in minimum sizes of 5 gallon. Organic Alcohol is much more expensive than Grain Neutral Spirits and is generally cost effective only in high end applications.
Wine (Grape) Alcohol
Wine Alcohol is also a specialty pure alcohol derived from grapes. It is only available in 190 proof. Wine Alcohol is used by formulators in the natural products industry and is the product of choice with formulators of natural oils with no perfume. It has a light, pleasant, fruity odor which does not interfere with the base odor of natural oils in the formulated product. This is in contrast to the more "medicinal" odor of pure grain and synthetic alcohol.
Kosher Alcohol
Kosher Alcohol is a grade certification for pure, undenatured alcohol. It is alcohol which has been manufactured and packaged under the supervision and guidelines of a duly recognized Rabbinical Authority. Pharmco manufactures USP certified alcohol which is subsequently Kosher certified. To avoid receiving only USP and not USP-Kosher Alcohol, this product must be specifically requested at the time of ordering.
Denatured Alcohol
Specially Denatured Alcohol (SDA)
Specially Denatured Alcohol is Pure Ethanol that is rendered unfit for drinking purposes. This is done by adding solvents such as Methanol, Ethyl Acetate, IPA and many others in quantities specified by the Federal Government. The addition of these solvents is what "denatures" the pure alcohol making it unfit for consumption. Therefore, the term "denatured" does not mean to alter the Ethanol molecule (as when a protein is denatured by heat or a chemical agent), but to make the Ethanol unfit for consumption by "spoiling" or "poisoning" the alcohol. Certain SDA’s have additives as well as denaturants. These additives are specific to each application. For instance SDA 38B when intended for use as a mouthwash has 1% w/v Menthol as an additive. SDA 38B when used as a soap has 1% w/v lavender added. There are over 40 SDA formulations intended for various applications. All SDA formulations and their intended use are determined and regulated by the BATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms). One of the key differences between SDA’s and other denatured Ethanol products (General Use Formulas) is the level of added denaturants. SDA’s are typically denatured at a level between 1-10%. Due to the minimum level of denaturant used in SDA’s, the BATF considers these products capable of being un-denatured. Since there is no Federal Excise Tax collected on SDA’s the BATF wants to be sure of the intended, legal application. This is the primary reason why all SDA’s require a permit for use, storage or resale. Specially Denatured Alcohols are used in a wide variety of common products including personal care, flavor & fragrance and other industrial grade products. It is also used in laboratories, hospitals and research facilities. While SDA’s are not taxed, the customer must obtain proper permits from the BATF in order to use more than 5 gallons of denatured product in a one year period. Products which do not require a BATF permit are referred to as "General Use Formulas." Pharmco has the capability of manufacturing all SDA’s but chooses not to produce certain formulas due to the carcinogenic nature of certain denaturants (i.e., Benzene, Glycol Ether EE, etc.) or extreme danger other hazardous denaturants may pose.
Completely Denatured Alcohol
Completely Denatured Alcohol is another type of denatured Alcohol which has a minimum level of denaturant (approximately 5%). CDA is unique in that it has a minimum level of denaturant but does not require a permit by the BATF. This is due to the type of denaturant used, which is considered to be very offensive; example: MIBK with gasoline or kerosene. While a permit is not required, the manufacture, resale, transport, storage and use of CDA’s are subject to certain Federal regulations and documentation. Completely Denatured Alcohol 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.
General Use Formulas
General Use Formulas
General Use Formulas are Alcohol (Ethanol) products with a wide range of denaturants. While the formulas and starting guidelines for these products are established by the BATF, the sale and use of these products are not regulated by the BATF and can be used in a wide variety of applications. The level of denaturant typically, but does not always exceed 10%. Pharmco Products is capable of manufacturing all of these products but chooses not to manufacture denatured Ethanol products with carcinogenic additives or those that pose an extreme risk to the safety of our employees. General Use Formulas can be described as "Denatured - SDA’s". This means that all General Use Formulas start with an SDA formula, generally SDA-1 or SDA-3A and are then denatured further by adding additional solvents. All General Use Formulas then, are derivatives of a particular SDA.
Reagent Alcohol
Reagent Alcohol is a very important General Use Formula. Reagent Alcohol is made by adding 5 parts by volume (i.e. gallons), of IPA to 95 parts of by volume SDA 3A Alcohol. SDA 3A is 100 parts pure Ethanol mixed with 5 parts of pure Methanol. Therefore, Reagent Alcohol is an SDA-3A derivative, or put another way Reagent Alcohol is a "Denatured SDA-3A". The actual percentages by weight and volume of Ethanol-Methanol-IPA are not exactly 90-5-5 due to the nature of the blend as if often misunderstood (90.25% Ethanol, 4.75% Methanol & 5% IPA by volume). Reagent Alcohol has one of the lowest levels of denaturant of all the General Use Formulas. It is also one of the few formulas that does not contain MIBK or Ethyl Acetate. It is among the cleanest and purest of the General Use Formulas as it is the "all alcohol, denatured Ethanol." By using Reagent Grades of Methanol and IPA, Reagent Alcohol can be made for UV and LC suitability. Due to the low level of denaturants, the high purity of the denaturants & the fact that no permits are required for quantities under 4 liters, Reagent Alcohol is the Denatured Ethanol of choice among Hospitals, Universities and Research Institutions. While it is classified as a General Use Formula, and it requires no permit, Reagent Alcohol is subject to some BATF regulation. Any use over 5 gallons in a single year in package sizes greater than 4 Liters must be reported to the BATF. A letter of registration must be on file with the BATF and with Pharmco. Any quantity in package sizes equal to and below 4 liters does not require any reporting. Also, according to the Federal Regulations, "Reagent Alcohol may be distributed in bulk containers to proprietors of bona fide laboratory supply houses for packaging and resale, and to any other person who (is) qualified to receive bulk shipments of Reagent Alcohol."
Special Industrial Solvents (SIS)
Special Industrial Solvents are General Use Formulas and therefore are denatured SDA’s. All SIS’s are derivatives of SDA-1, SDA-3A or SDA-3C. There are many possible SIS formulas. While the Federal Government does not issue the formulas, the Government has established certain guidelines for the balance of the denaturants. Any interested party may petition the BATF for approval of a new General Use SIS Formula. Over the years many of these formulas have become "standardized" in the industry with number and letter designation (Formula A-1, etc.) giving the impression that the Federal Government has issued rather than simply approved them. Pharmco Products is capable of manufacturing all of these products but chooses not to manufacture Special Industrial Solvents with carcinogenic additives or those that pose an extreme risk to the safety of our employees. The Federal Government sets the guidelines for the starting material (SDA-1, SDA-3A & SDA3C) as well as the type and minimum level of denaturants to be used: To the above SDA’s add 1 volume of one or a combination of MIBK, MnBK, Nitropropane or Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether and not less than 5 volumes of one or a combination of Ethyl Acetate, Methanol and Isopropanol. Some of the choices of denaturant are no longer readily available or pose certain health and safety risks, i.e. Nitropropane is a safety risk and is not readily available, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is carcinogenic, etc.
The starting materials themselves have the following denaturants: SDA-1 - 4 parts Methanol, 1 part MIBK, SDA-3A - 5 parts Methanol, SDA3C - 5 parts IPA. Therefore, Pharmco’s SIS’s will always have some or all of the following denaturants in various ratios: MIBK, Ethyl Acetate, Methanol and Isopropanol. Other denaturants are added at various levels for each specific formula and use.
Note: Pharmco SIS’s never have a hydrocarbon as a denaturant
Proprietary Solvents
Proprietary Solvents (Prop. Solvs) are General Use Formulas and therefore are denatured SDA’s. All Prop. Solvs are derivatives of SDA-1 or SDA-3A. There are many possible Proprietary formulas. While the Federal Government does not issue the formulas, the Government has established certain guidelines for the balance of the denaturants. Any interested party may petition the BATF for approval of a new General Use Proprietary Formula. Over the years many of these formulas have become "standardized" in the industry with number and letter designation (Formula 1, 2, 3, etc.) giving the impression that the Federal Government has issued rather than simply approved them. Pharmco Products is capable of manufacturing all of these products but chooses not to manufacture Prop. Solvs with carcinogenic additives or those that pose an extreme risk to the safety of our employees. The Federal Government sets the guidelines for the starting material (SDA-1 & SDA-3A) as well as the type and minimum level of denaturants to be used: To the above SDA’s add 1 volume of one or a combination of Gasoline, Heptane, Rubber Hydrocarbon Solvent (or similar Hydrocarbon) and not less than 3 volumes of one or a combination of Ethyl Acetate, MIBK, MnBK, tert-Butyl Alcohol, sec-Butanol, Nitropropane, Toluene or Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether. Some of the choices of denaturant are no longer readily available or pose certain health and safety risks, i.e. Nitropropane is a safety risk and is not readily available, Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether is carcinogenic, etc.
The starting materials themselves have the following denaturants: SDA-1 - 4 parts Methanol, 1 part MIBK, SDA-3A - 5 parts Methanol. Therefore, Pharmco’s Proprietary Solvents will always have some or all of the following denaturants in various ratio’s: Methanol & Isopropanol (from the SDA’s), as well as MIBK, Ethyl Acetate, Heptane, Rubber Solvent (or other suitable Hydrocarbon), tert-Butyl Alcohol, sec-Butyl Alcohol and Toluene. Other denaturants are added at various levels for each specific formula and use.
Note: Prop. Solvs always have a hydrocarbon as one of the denaturants.
Specialty Products
Pharmco’s line of Specialty alcohols includes Specialty Pure, Specialty SDA and Specialty General Use Products. Pharmco is capable of manufacturing many types of custom formulations involving Alcohol.
Specialty Pure Alcohol
1. Gamma Irradiated Alcohol - also known as Sterile Alcohol is one of our newest products manufactured by Pharmco Products. Gamma Irradiated Alcohol is a 70% SDA-3A product, gamma irradiated. SDA-3A, 70% is a blend of 70% v/v Specially Denatured Formula 3A using USP Grade Ethanol and denatured with ACS/NF Grade methanol and RO water. The product is analyzed to ensure compliance with strict raw material specifications. The finished blend is 0.22 micron filtered and filled into 1 gallon HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) bottles. The bottle closure is a polypropylene screw-on cap. The filled, capped bottle is double bagged in 4 mil, LDPE bags. The SDA-3A, 70% is packaged 4x1 gallon per case and sent to the contract irradiator for final processing. During final processing, the SDA-3A, 70% is subjected to a sterilizing dose of gamma irradiation. The minimum sterilizing dose has been calculated and verified to be 31.3 kGy. This is a Specialty product used in pharmaceutical applications. Ask for our Validation Report on this product for a more detail.
2. Wine (Grape) Alcohol - for Specialty cosmetic applications.
3. Kosher For Passover Alcohol - for Specialty Kosher applications
4. Organic Alcohol - for Specialty cosmetic applications.
5. HPLC Pure Alcohol - for critical laboratory applications.
6. BP Grade of Pure Alcohol - for international requirements.
Specialty General Use Alcohol- Each request handled on a case by case basis.
1. Low Alcohol General Use Formulas
2. Custom Proprietary Formulas & Special Industrial Solvents - per customer's formula
3. Ink General Use Formulas - per customer's formula
4. Toilet Preparation General Use Formulas- per customer's formula
5. Rubbing Alcohol General Use Formula
Specialty Miscellaneous
1. Military Specifications - Certified to individual military specifications with on-site inspection when necessary.
2. Ethanol for Electronic Applications - 0.22 micron filtered product for general electronic cleaning.
