Debunking the Top 5 Ethanol Myths

Ethanol is one of the most widely used chemicals across laboratories, manufacturing, and extraction processes, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. From proof confusion to purity myths, misinformation can lead to poor results, safety issues, or simply wasted product.

At Lab Alley, we work every day to help you navigate these nuances and make confident, informed choices about your ethanol needs. We believe informed buyers make better and safer decisions. So let’s set the record straight. Here are five of the most common ethanol myths and the science-backed truth behind them:

In this blog, we’ll tackle five common myths about ethanol, explain the science behind them, and show how to choose the right grade and proof for your work.

Myth #1: “All 200-proof ethanol is completely water-free.”

Fact: Even 200-proof ethanol (also called "anhydrous ethanol") can contain trace amounts of water, often around 0.1%. To reach truly water-free levels (<0.01% moisture), ethanol must be dried using molecular sieves or advanced azeotrope-breaking distillation techniques.

Why it matters: In ultra-sensitive applications like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or fine organic synthesis, even trace water can interfere with results. If you need truly dry ethanol, source the right grade and request detailed specifications.

Myth #2: “95% ethanol can’t be used in molecular biology.”

Fact: In reality, 95% ethanol (190 proof) is often ideal for DNA or RNA precipitation. The small amount of water in the mix actually helps nucleic acids flocculate and separate from solution more effectively.

In fact, molecular biology protocols frequently call for 95% ethanol (not 100%) for this very reason. It strikes the right balance between volatility and solubility during the precipitation process.

Myth #3: “Denatured ethanol is always toxic to handle.”

Fact: Denatured ethanol contains bitterants or additives that make it undrinkable, but that doesn’t mean it’s more hazardous to touch than pure ethanol. In most cases, it poses no additional danger for skin contact, though you should always wear gloves and proper PPE when handling any ethanol product.

Some denaturants (like methanol) do pose inhalation or ingestion hazards, which is why it’s essential to know the specific denaturant used and consult the SDS before use.

Myth #4: “The higher the proof, the better the extraction yield.”

Fact: Not always. While high-proof ethanol is excellent for dissolving non-polar compounds, many botanical compounds (like alkaloids, polyphenols, or polysaccharides) are more soluble in 70% to 90% ethanol.

Using 200-proof ethanol can sometimes under-extract water-soluble constituents. That’s why experienced extractors often choose a specific proof based on their plant material and goals, not just the highest number on the bottle.

Myth #5: “Ethanol left in open air stays pure.”

Fact: Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. If left uncapped or stored improperly, your 200-proof ethanol will slowly drop in proof as it picks up water from the atmosphere, and possibly carbon dioxide too, which can mildly acidify the solution.

Final Thoughts

Ethanol is incredibly versatile, but getting the most out of it requires separating fact from fiction. From DNA purification to plant extraction, the right grade and concentration can make all the difference.

At Lab Alley, we supply ethanol in a wide range of grades and proofs, including denatured, food-grade, ACS, and organic varieties, so you can choose exactly what your work demands. Explore our ethanol collection or reach out to our team to find the right solution for your lab, shop, or production facility.