Product Overview
Denatured Alcohol 190 Proof 3A is a technical-grade ethanol that has been rendered unfit for beverage use by the addition of a denaturant. The "3A" designation refers to the denaturing formula, and the proper shipping name confirms the denaturant: methanol. What remains is a fast-evaporating, low-residue solvent with broad industrial utility — from surface cleaning on a manufacturing floor to botanical extraction in a processing facility.
This product is offered in pack sizes ranging from 1-quart bottles for bench-scale work up to 330-gallon totes for continuous production use. It ships as a Class 3 flammable liquid (per 49 CFR 172.101), so every order leaves our Taylor, TX warehouse with full DOT-compliant hazmat documentation.
Why This Concentration
At 190 proof, this denatured alcohol sits at the practical ceiling for ethanol-water mixtures produced by standard distillation. That high solvent strength matters when your process depends on rapid dissolution, fast evaporation, or minimal water carryover — think shellac thinning, resin formulation, or extraction workflows where residual moisture interferes with downstream steps.
The denatured designation is the other half of the decision. Because the methanol adulterant makes the product unfit for consumption, it is not subject to the federal excise tax applied to beverage-grade spirits. For buyers whose process does not require undenatured ethanol — and most industrial solvent applications do not — this translates to a meaningfully lower cost per gallon without sacrificing solvent performance.
If your operation needs ethanol strictly as a solvent, cleaning agent, or process fluid, 190 Proof 3A denatured is the workhorse choice. Operations that require undenatured or food-contact ethanol should evaluate whether their regulatory framework permits a denatured product before ordering.
Chemical Profile
Denatured Alcohol 190 Proof 3A (CAS 64-17-5) is a clear liquid with a pleasant odor and the molecular formula C₂H₆O (molecular weight 46.07 g/mol). Its density is 0.79 at 68 °F, making it less dense than water — it will float on an aqueous layer. Solubility in water is high, at 100 mg/mL or greater at 73 °F. Vapor pressure is notable: 40 mmHg at 66 °F and 50 mmHg at 77 °F, which accounts for its rapid evaporation rate at ambient temperature and its classification as a highly flammable liquid (per the product's GHS classification). The combination of full water miscibility, low density, and high vapor pressure defines the handling envelope: fast-drying, easy to rinse, and requiring careful vapor management in enclosed spaces.
Industrial Applications
Denatured Alcohol 190 Proof 3A serves as a general-purpose industrial solvent across several sectors. Its strength is versatility — it dissolves a wide range of organic compounds, evaporates cleanly, and mixes freely with water.
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Extraction Solvent — In pharmaceutical and botanical processing, this ethanol is used to extract active compounds from plant materials. The high proof maximizes solvency for target molecules while the rapid evaporation simplifies solvent recovery.
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Industrial Cleaning and Degreasing — Manufacturing facilities use denatured alcohol to clean parts, tooling, and work surfaces. It cuts oils and residues effectively, evaporates without leaving a film, and is compatible with most metal and glass substrates.
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Coatings and Resin Work — Serves as a solvent and thinner for shellacs, lacquers, and certain resin systems. The low water content at 190 proof helps maintain coating integrity during application and cure.
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Laboratory Reagent — Research and QC labs use this as a solvent for sample preparation, glassware rinsing, and as a reaction medium where technical-grade ethanol is acceptable.
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Personal Care and Cosmetic Formulation — Functions as a solvent carrier in the formulation of cosmetic products where denatured ethanol is a permitted ingredient.
Handling & Storage
This product carries a Danger signal word (per the product's GHS classification). The three governing hazard statements are:
- H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapour
- H319: Causes serious eye irritation
- H370: Causes damage to organs (central nervous system, optic nerve)
Flammability is the primary handling concern. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use. HDPE and glass are appropriate container materials. Do not store near strong oxidizers or concentrated acids.
Operators should wear chemical-splash goggles and compatible gloves (nitrile or butyl rubber) at minimum. In areas where vapor concentrations may build — enclosed tanks, mixing rooms, or poorly ventilated bays — use local exhaust ventilation or supplied-air respiratory protection. The high vapor pressure (40–50 mmHg near room temperature) means flammable vapor accumulation happens quickly in still air.
Avoid prolonged or repeated inhalation exposure. The H370 statement flags organ toxicity to the central nervous system and optic nerve, driven in part by the methanol denaturant. This product is not for human consumption under any circumstances.
Hazmat & Shipping
Denatured Alcohol 190 Proof 3A is a regulated hazardous material for transport. The DOT classification governs how every shipment is packaged, labeled, and documented at our Taylor, TX facility:
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UN Number: UN1987 (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Hazard Class: 3 — Flammable Liquid (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Packing Group: II (per 49 CFR 172.101)
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Proper Shipping Name: Alcohols, n.o.s. (Ethyl alcohol, methanol) (per 49 CFR 172.101)
Class 3, Packing Group II reflects a flammable liquid with moderate danger — standard for ethanol-based solvents in this proof range. All shipments are prepared with compliant packaging, labeling, and shipping papers by our hazmat-trained warehouse team.
Documentation
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) ships with every order. SDS documents are available in English, Spanish, French, and Japanese. A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is also available for this product, providing detailed specification and handling data beyond the SDS. Lot-specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) can be requested to verify batch-level specifications against your incoming QC requirements.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
This product is available to order from 1-quart bottles through 330-gallon totes — a packaging range that covers bench testing through full-scale production without switching suppliers. Every unit of Denatured Alcohol 190 Proof 3A ships with DOT-compliant Class 3 hazmat documentation prepared by our warehouse team in Taylor, TX.
Alliance Chemical has served over 50,000 customers since 1998, distributing industrial chemicals with the documentation and hazmat handling that regulated buyers require. All shipping and handling guidance on this page is reviewed by Andre Taki, DOT Hazmat Specialist (USDOT #2188383).
