200 Proof SDA 3-A Denatured Ethanol
Methanol-denatured 200 proof ethanol — the industrial workhorse of the SDA family. Produced from our ultrapure Michigan corn ethanol and denatured on-site, 200 proof SDA 3-A delivers a water-free, tax-exempt solvent for chemical synthesis and industrial processing.
What Is 200 Proof SDA 3-A?
SDA 3-A is a specially denatured alcohol formula authorized under 27 CFR Part 21: to every 100 gallons of ethanol, 5 gallons of methanol are added. The result behaves almost identically to pure ethanol in most industrial processes, while qualifying for federal excise tax exemption.
The 200 proof version is built on 200 proof ethanol containing less than 0.5% water. Water is the enemy of many chemical reactions — it quenches reagents, shifts equilibria, and contaminates moisture-sensitive systems. 200 proof SDA 3-A gives process chemists a dry, consistent, economical solvent and reactant.
Applications
⚗ Chemical Synthesis
Reaction solvent and reactant for moisture-sensitive chemistry where water quenches or side-tracks reactions.
🎨 Coatings & Inks
200 Proof carrier for coatings, inks, and finishes where trace water causes blushing, fisheyes, or slow cure.
🧷 Industrial Cleaning
High-purity degreasing and precision cleaning of components that cannot tolerate water residue.
⚙ Processing & Extraction
Process solvent for extractions, crystallizations, and separations requiring a dry alcohol phase.
TTB Compliance
SDA 3-A requires a TTB industrial alcohol user permit to purchase. Pristine Alcohol is a TTB-permitted distilled spirits plant and handles all denaturing and documentation on-site; we can assist customers with permit applications and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDA 3-A denatured with?
SDA 3-A is denatured by adding 5 gallons of methanol to every 100 gallons of ethanol, per the TTB formula in 27 CFR Part 21.
What is the difference between SDA 3-A and SDA 3-C?
The denaturant. SDA 3-A uses methanol; SDA 3-C uses isopropyl alcohol. Both perform similarly as solvents — 3-C is often preferred where methanol toxicity is a concern.
Why use 200 proof SDA 3-A instead of 190 proof?
Chemical synthesis, coatings, and moisture-sensitive processes often cannot tolerate the roughly 5% water in 190 proof alcohol. 200 proof SDA 3-A contains less than 0.5% water, eliminating water-driven side reactions and finish defects.
Do I need a TTB permit to buy SDA 3-A?
Yes. Specially denatured alcohol requires a TTB industrial alcohol user permit. Our team assists with applications and ongoing compliance.
Launching soon — request a quote now to reserve first-production allocation.