Good information John, but Universities and such can order it from chemical
suppliers in pure form.  The Physics lab i got my BS from had a 55 gallon
in a storeroom and on the wall above it was the permit from the FEDS.
This was during the years one could not buy drinking anything....
Test tubes were in constant re-ordering along with rubber stoppers.
Seems the Freshman were 'breaking to many for a few years'.... :-)

'was to be used in experiments that only pure material could be used...'

It may not be this way once the tax man became king - but maybe it is.

Martin

John Varner wrote:
> A bit more on ethanol:
> Most lab-grade denatured ethanol is denatured (rendered toxic) w/ a
> small amount of methanol, which doesn't etch shells.  Ethanol and
> water form an azeotrope (constant boiling mixture, I.e.: one that
> cannot be further purified via distillation alone) at a ratio of 95%
> ethanol  to 5% water.  So, without elaborate chemical treatment,
> ethanol, denatured or not, contains at least 5% water.  But, as has
> been pointed out in previous posts, preserving biological specimens is
> trickier than just throwing the thing into the strongest ethanol
> available.  Some denatured alcohol sold in places like hardware stores
> also has chemicals added to make it taste or smell bad, and this may
> cause a problem w/ etching.  Drinkable (if diluted) 95% (190 proof)
> ethanol is available in some US states in liquor stores as straight
> grain alcohol or 'everclear", but if it is not denatured, ethanol sold
> in the US must be taxed as consumable alcohol.  Hence a liter of
> drinkable grain alcohol costs $30 or $40, while the same amount of
> denatured ethanol sells for a couple bucks.  151 rum (75%+ ethanol)
> might serve to pickle specimens in a pinch, and will surely suffice to
> pickle the palate and liver of those who imbibe without diluting it.
> Cheers!  or not
> - John
>
>     ----- Original Message -----
>     *From:* Marcus Coltro <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>     *To:* [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>     *Sent:* Tuesday, March 17, 2009 7:30 AM
>     *Subject:* [CONCH-L] RES: [CONCH-L] Isopropyl Alcohol
>
>     Thanks guys!
>
>     Yes, that was what concerned Tony - about the alcohol being
>     denaturated. So I am passing him this
>     info!
>
>     Marcus
>
>     PS. Thanks for leaving a comment on my article, Matt!
>     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>

--
Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
TSRA, Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
http://lufkinced.com/

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