Substance profile
Ethanol
Ethanol is a clear, colorless, very mobile liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethanol is
Ethanol is a clear, colorless, very mobile liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C2H6O and its molecular weight is 46.07 g/mol. It boils at 78.2 °C, melts at -114 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
Other names for Ethanol
- ethyl alcohol
- grain alcohol
- denatured alcohol
- C2H5OH
- Absolute Ethanol
- Alcare Hand Degermer
- Alcohol
- Alcohol Anhydrous
- Alcohol Dehydrated
- Alcohol, Anhydrous
- Algrain
- Anhydrol
- Anhydrol Pm 4085
- 100C.Npa
- Cologne Spirit
- Cologne Spirits (Alcohol)
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethanol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 78.24 °C (172.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 78.33 °C (173 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 78.5 °C (173.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -114.14 °C (-173.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -113.89 °C (-173 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -114.11 °C (-173.4 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.79 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.7893 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.79 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform; soluble in benzene | HSDB | |
| Miscible with many organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, miscible /1X10+6 mg/L/ at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0075 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 44 mmHg | NIOSH | ||
| 59.3 mmHg | at 25 °C, Extrapolated | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 14 °C (57.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 362.78 °C (685 °F) | HSDB | |
| 365 °C (689 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 400 °C (752 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.3 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 19 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 1.59 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 10 PPM | HSDB | |
| 1.00X10-1 mg/L gas (detection in air, purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| 1.00X10+2 mg/L liquid (detection in water, purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 243.1 °C (469.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Ethanol
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Alkali metals, oxidizing agents, peroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
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