Ethanol

We offer a diverse portfolio of high quality organic ethanol, denatured ethyl alcohol, organic pure sugarcane ethanol, and lab grade ethanol at extremely competitive prices. We are constantly adding various grades and proofs of undenatured and denatured ethanol to meet our customer's needs. 

Ethanol is ubiquitous in the natural world, and has a long history of “cultivation” by humans – so it’s no wonder that it has become both a technological and cultural cornerstone. It is used to power our vehicles, to clean our hands, to flavor our foods, to celebrate with loved ones. It is the “water” of a more evolved people.

Given its long history, ethanol goes by many names. “Alcohol” is the chemical name given to any compound with a hydroxyl (-OH) group, but colloquially it is generally understood to mean ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, the 2-carbon alcohol chain – a testament to the importance of ethanol in our society.

What is it about this molecule that makes it so useful, and in many ways essential? Ethanol has a polar end (-OH), that looks and behaves like water, but also a carbon chain that gives ethanol nonpolar characteristics. Because that carbon chain is not very long (only 2 carbons), ethanol is still miscible with water, and can also dissolve a wide range of molecules – both slightly polar and slightly nonpolar.

Hence it is an effective solvent for many flavor compounds, coloring agents, and bioactive or medicinal compounds. By the same principle, ethanol is able to disrupt intramolecular hydrogen bonding in viruses in order to denature the protein structure and render the virus inactive. As a fuel, ethanol can produce energy during an exothermic combustion reaction. As an imbibement and food additive, ethanol is the only aliphatic alcohol that is relatively safe to consume since it can be metabolized by the human body.

Such a range of applications necessitates an equally diverse range of grades and proofs. For example, absolute ethanol (pure, 100%) is an ineffective disinfectant – it must be combined with water at 60-80% in order to denature proteins. As a fuel, crude purification of ethanol is sufficient, but as a food additive or analytical solvent, high purity is critical to the health of consumers and the integrity of the analysis. Lab Alley provides a diverse portfolio of products to support the myriad applications.