Functional Solvent Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name: Ethanol (denatured)

• 🧪 Synonyms: Alcohol Denat., Denatured Ethanol, EtOH

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₂H₆O

• 📂 CAS N°: 64-17-5

• 📘 FEMA: 2419

• ⚖️ MW: 46.07 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Neutral (volatile alcohol base)

• 📈 Odor Strength: High volatility

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Neutral, evaporative, non-residual

• ⚗️ Uses: Solvent, Carrier, Sanitizer

• 🧴 Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid

What is Denatured Ethyl Alcohol 96°?

Denatured ethanol is a regulated form of ethyl alcohol treated with additives that make it unsuitable for human consumption while retaining its solvent functionality. Typically, denaturants such as denatonium benzoate or isopropyl alcohol are used to meet legal requirements, particularly in the EU under Regulation (EU) 2017/1112. The resulting product is chemically stable, highly volatile, and extensively used in non-ingestible formulations. Industrial ethanol is produced either by fermentation of carbohydrates or via synthetic hydration of ethylene.

Historical Background

Since the 19th century, denatured alcohol has allowed manufacturers to use ethanol in industrial and cosmetic applications without incurring excise taxes associated with potable alcohol. Its regulation evolved to ensure safety while preserving solvent efficacy. Today, denatured ethanol remains the standard alcohol base in perfumery and hygiene products across regulatory jurisdictions.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Denatured ethanol does not contribute to the olfactory character of a fragrance but plays a central functional role:

• Solubilizes aromatic compounds and essential oils

• Acts as a volatile vehicle for quick evaporation on skin or surfaces

• Enhances projection and diffusion of top notes

• Ensures uniform scent dispersion in hydroalcoholic bases

Commonly used in eaux de toilette, eaux de parfum, hair perfumes, room sprays, and roll-ons, it provides clean, fast evaporation and effective delivery of aromatic materials without altering their perception.

Industrial & Technical Uses

• Cosmetics: Fragrance base, astringent, and carrier in lotions and deodorants

• Pharmaceuticals: Instrument disinfectant and antiseptic

• Surface Sanitization: Effective on non-porous materials

• Household and Lab Use: Solvent, glass cleaner, degreaser

Its volatility and microbial activity make it ideal for fast-drying formulations and sterilization purposes.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA: Not restricted for perfumery use when denatured appropriately

• EU Denaturation: Compliant with (EU) 2017/1112

• CLP Regulation: Classified under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

• UN Number: 1170

• ADR Classification: Class 3 – Flammable Liquids, Packing Group II

• Hazards: Flammable liquid and vapor; use with proper ventilation

• Flash Point: ~13°C

Environmental Impact

Ethanol is readily biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate. When handled and disposed of responsibly, its environmental footprint is minimal. Due to its volatility and flammability, safe storage and controlled use are essential to minimize risk of fire or vapor exposure in production environments.

Additional Information

• INCI Name: Alcohol Denat.

• EINECS: 200-578-6

• Alcohol Content: 96% v/v

• Boiling Point: ~78.5 °C

• Density @ 20°C: ~0.81 g/cm³

• Solubility: Miscible with water and most organics

• Purity: Free from fragrances and colorants unless customized

• Volatility: High; fast-drying on skin and surfaces

• Standard Denaturants: Denatonium benzoate, tert-butyl alcohol, isopropanol (formulation-dependent)

Sources

• Scentspiracy-provided source

• Regulation (EU) 2017/1112

• IFRA Standards Library (2022)

• PubChem Database – Ethanol

• FEMA GRAS Database

• Sell, C. (2006). The Chemistry of Fragrances

• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)