Laboratory or Reagent Grade Ethanol

Laboratory (or reagent) grade ethanol is a high-purity form of ethyl alcohol commonly used in scientific, medical, and industrial settings. It is typically denatured (rendered unsuitable for human consumption by the addition of other chemicals) to comply with regulations and prevent misuse.


This substance is a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It is miscible with water and readily dissolves a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds, making it highly versatile as a solvent, disinfectant, and preservative.

Application & Usage

Laboratory- and reagent-grade ethanol are highly purified forms of ethanol widely used in scientific and industrial research. Their consistent high purity makes them essential in applications where contamination could compromise results. Common uses include:

  • Analytical chemistry – as a solvent in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, titration, and sample preparation
  • Life sciences – for DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, cell culture processes, and tissue dehydration in histology
  • Pharmaceutical and clinical testing – ensuring reliability in quality control, drug formulation, and microbiological assays
  • Environmental analysis – in testing for pollutants and chemical residues
  • General laboratory use – as a solvent, cleaning agent, or preservative in academic and industrial labs.

Because of its purity, laboratory- and reagent-grade ethanol minimizes background interference and supports accurate, reproducible experimental outcomes