What Is 190 Proof Alcohol and How Do We Use It?

Ethyl alcohol comes in various concentrations and ethanol grades. We usually classify it either as a food-grade product or as a denatured, non-consumable substance.

Unlike food grade alcohol, which is used for direct consumption or product of food, denatured substances are mainly utilized for cleaning and various other processes. Companies create these liquids by adding chemicals to regular, food-grade ethanol. This is why we will refer to them as "denatured" (not in their natural state).

When talking about 190 proof ethyl alcohol (otherwise known as 95% alcohol), this is a good example of a product that is usually altered. A lot of companies sell it as denatured alcohol. This is done so that the substance is repurposed and cannot be used for human consumption. Unlike denatured products, food-grade alcohol is heavily taxed by the US government.
​
If you wish to buy quality alcohol substances, make sure to visit the Simple Solvents store. Now, let's see what makes 190 proof ethyl alcohol so specific and how we can benefit from it.

Using 190 proof alcohol as a reagent

If you browse the web, you will notice that 95% alcohol is often utilized as a reagent. This substance is very common in laboratories, hospitals, and pharmacies for tissue processing, proper fixation, and slide staining. The thing about 190 proof alcohol is that you know what to expect from this substance.

Most chemical companies will add other substances to the product to make it denatured. This is usually done in a safe environment so that the final substance can be used by humans. However, due to its high alcohol concentration, you should still take precautionary measures. Denatured products are especially dangerous as they have added ingredients, some of which can irritate the skin, eyes, and other tissues.

Besides 95% alcohol, companies are also selling reagent alcohols with 100% and 70% concentration. The chemicals are great for dehydration and various other lab processes. It is worth noting that alcohol should simplify the exchange on tissue processors. It also helps with strainers. The product is especially important because it can reduce errors during dilution, thus saving a company's time.

Main features of 190 proof reagent alcohol

There are lots of good reasons why this substance is so great for laboratories:

• It can be used directly without a need for additional processing.
• Perhaps the best substance for lab dehydration where you can always expect the same results.
• The 190 proof alcohol is a good substitute for any other lab alcohol. You can also use it with other products, as it is completely compatible with other alcohol items.
• The chemical can be used for tissue processors.
• Lastly, the product can be used for all staining systems and processes where you would use other alcohols as well.

Main benefits of 190 proof reagent alcohol

Here are some of the benefits that you can expect when using this chemical:

• Using 190 proof alcohol is a great way to avoid any errors during dilution. Furthermore, it will reduce the time required for reagent exchanges.
• With 95% reagent alcohol, you can easily perform the conversion. It is compatible with all the known reagents.
• You can expect exactly the same results whenever you use the substance.

Can 190 proof alcohol be used to disinfect?

Unlike some other alcohol products, and especially alcohols with 70 to 90% concentration, 95% alcohol is not ideal for disinfecting surfaces. The main problem with this chemical is that it doesn’t stick on a surface for long enough to produce wanted results.

Basically, alcohol products rely on alcohol to destroy microorganisms, and they rely on water to stick to a surface. If a product has too much water, it simply won't kill microorganisms. On the other hand, if it has too much alcohol, it will evaporate too quickly.

If an alcohol product has more than 90% concentration, it won’t be able to kill microbes. As such, companies and hospitals do not use it for disinfecting. But, that doesn’t mean that it cannot be used for cleaning.

The highest concentration alcohols are often used in the electronics industry as well as for sensitive tools. Most of these objects cannot be exposed to water. If they are, this could potentially damage them.

Companies rely on 190 proof alcohol to clean various circuits, motherboards, and various electronic hardware. The product will evaporate rather quickly, and it won't have a lot of water that would potentially damage the equipment.

What are the common precautionary measures when using 95% alcohol?

As mentioned, most companies create 190 proof alcohol by mixing ethanol with some other substances, thus creating denatured products. They are much cheaper for production, but also for customers.

However, denatured substances are often volatile in nature. They can have a very strong odor, changed color, or other things that would indicate that these chemicals are not for consumption.

A lot of 95% alcohol products come in barrels. They are often utilized for industrial processes. But, due to such a large amount of alcohol, their odor can be intoxicating. In fact, you should be very careful when handling the substance and wear appropriate protective gear.

If you get in direct contact with such a concentrated chemical, all sorts of things may happen. For example, inhaling 190 proof alcohol can cause dizziness, disorientation, vomiting, nausea, and fainting. Severe exposure can even lead to death. If the substance gets into your eyes, or if you swallow it, you will need to receive immediate medical attention.

Where to buy 190 proof alcohol?

Due to the volatility of these substances, it is very important to get them from reputable sources. Simple Solvents are one of the best stores in North America for various alcohol items.

​We are very careful when handling these substances ensuring they reach your address intact. All our products are approved and according to international standards.

If you have any additional questions regarding our substances, make sure to contact us today. We will give you proper instructions that will allow you to store, transport, and use these substances in the way it is intended.