Reagent Alcohol
The laboratory-standard reagent alcohol blend — approximately 90 parts ethanol, 5 parts methanol, and 5 parts isopropyl alcohol on a 190 proof basis — built on Pristine ultrapure ethanol for the lot-to-lot consistency laboratories demand. Also coming soon in 200 proof.
What Is Reagent Alcohol?
Reagent alcohol is the standard laboratory ethanol blend: roughly 90 parts ethanol, 5 parts methanol, and 5 parts isopropyl alcohol. The added alcohols denature the ethanol — so it ships free of federal excise tax — while leaving its solvent behavior essentially identical to pure ethanol for most laboratory protocols.
Applications
🔬 Histology & Pathology
Tissue processing, dehydration series, and staining protocols in clinical and research labs.
⚗ Chromatography
Mobile phase preparation and sample prep where consistent alcohol composition matters.
🧬 Molecular Biology
DNA/RNA precipitation and washing steps calling for high-purity ethanol-based reagent.
🧪 General Laboratory
Everyday lab solvent for cleaning, extraction, dilution, and reagent preparation.
Purchasing & Compliance
Because reagent alcohol is denatured, it ships exempt from federal excise tax, and most laboratory buyers can purchase it without a TTB industrial alcohol user permit. Our team confirms requirements for your specific use and volume, and handles all documentation from our TTB-permitted facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between reagent alcohol and pure ethanol?
Reagent alcohol contains about 5% methanol and 5% isopropyl alcohol as denaturants, making it tax-exempt and easier to purchase. Pure (non-denatured) ethanol contains only ethanol and water but carries federal excise tax and stricter controls.
Is reagent alcohol suitable for histology?
Yes. Reagent alcohol is the standard choice for tissue processing, dehydration series, and staining in histology and pathology laboratories.
Do I need a TTB permit to buy reagent alcohol?
In most cases, no. Reagent alcohol is denatured, so most laboratory purchasers do not need a TTB industrial alcohol user permit. Contact us to confirm requirements for your use case.
Is reagent alcohol available in 200 proof?
Yes — Reagent Alcohol 200 Proof (under 0.5% water) is launching soon for moisture-sensitive protocols. Request a quote to reserve allocation.