Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol, C₂H₅OH, CAS 64-17-5) is a clear, flammable organic solvent widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sanitizers, laboratories, and industrial chemical manufacturing. Hazchem Chemicals LLC supplies Ethanol in 96% and 99.9% (Absolute) grades with bulk delivery across UAE and the GCC. Contact: info@hazchem.ae | +971 6 520 5127
What is Ethanol?
Ethanol — also known as Ethyl Alcohol, grain alcohol, or simply alcohol — is an organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C₂H₅OH and CAS number 64-17-5. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals in the world, serving as a solvent, disinfectant, fuel additive, and chemical intermediate across a vast range of industries.
In its industrial form, Ethanol is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odour. It is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents, making it exceptionally versatile for formulation processes, extraction, and chemical synthesis. It is produced through fermentation of sugars or via petrochemical synthesis (from ethylene hydration).
Two main grades are supplied: Ethanol 96% (rectified spirit, containing approximately 4% water) and Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute Ethanol — anhydrous, virtually water-free). Both grades serve distinct applications; the choice depends on the purity requirement of your process.
Ethanol Suppliers in UAE
Ethanol suppliers in the UAE provide industrial-grade Ethyl Alcohol in 96% and 99.9% (Absolute) grades for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cleaning, laboratory, and industrial applications. Reliable suppliers offer consistent quality, proper documentation, and fast delivery across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider GCC region.
Hazchem Chemicals LLC – Supplier of Ethanol 96% and Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute) in UAE — in stock and available for bulk supply.
Both grades are chemically the same compound (C₂H₅OH). The distinction lies in water content and the applications each grade suits:
Ethanol 96%
RECTIFIED SPIRIT
Purity96% v/v
Water Content~4% (azeotrope)
Density0.810 g/cm³
FlammabilityHighly flammable
Best ForCleaning, disinfectants, industrial solvents
Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute)
ANHYDROUS / ABSOLUTE
Purity99.9% v/v
Water Content<0.1% (anhydrous)
Density0.789 g/cm³
FlammabilityHighly flammable
Best ForPharma, cosmetics, labs, chemical synthesis
Ethanol vs. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
Both Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) are widely used industrial solvents and disinfectants in the UAE. Understanding the differences helps you select the right chemical for your application:
Feature
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
Isopropyl Alcohol (C₃H₇OH)
Carbon Chain
2-carbon (ethyl)
3-carbon (isopropyl)
Common Grades
96%, 99.9% (Absolute)
70%, 99% (Anhydrous)
Pharmaceutical Use
Yes — widely used in formulations
Limited — not for oral use
Odour
Mild, characteristic alcoholic
Strong, pungent
Primary Use
Pharma, cosmetics, labs, industrial
Surface disinfection, electronics cleaning
What are the Industrial Applications of Ethanol in UAE?
Ethanol is one of the most versatile industrial chemicals, serving as a solvent, disinfectant, extractant, and chemical intermediate across many sectors in the UAE and GCC region.
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Pharmaceuticals
Used in sanitizers, disinfectants, tinctures, extraction processes, and as a solvent in medicine manufacturing. Ethanol 99.9% meets USP/BP requirements.
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Cosmetics & Perfumes
Absolute Ethanol is the primary carrier solvent for fragrances, perfumes, colognes, deodorants, and skincare formulations.
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Cleaning & Disinfection
Ethanol 96% is highly effective against bacteria and viruses — used in surface disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and industrial cleaning agents.
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Laboratory & Analytical
Ethanol 99.9% is used for chromatography, sample preparation, organic synthesis, and as a general-purpose lab solvent requiring low water content.
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Chemical Manufacturing
Feedstock for producing ethyl esters, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and numerous other chemical intermediates used in UAE's manufacturing sector.
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Paints & Coatings
Solvent in paints, varnishes, lacquers, inks, and adhesives. Fast evaporation rate makes it ideal for surface coating applications.
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Food & Beverage
Food-grade ethanol (E1510) is used as a carrier solvent for food flavourings, extracts, and as a preservative in certain food applications.
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Fuel & Energy
Used as a biofuel blending component and fuel additive. Ethanol improves combustion efficiency and reduces harmful emissions in fuel mixtures.
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) is a short-chain primary alcohol that is fully miscible with water and most organic solvents. Its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances makes it one of the most versatile solvents used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, cosmetic formulation, and laboratory work.
As a protic solvent, Ethanol participates in hydrogen bonding, which accounts for its high miscibility with water, its relatively high boiling point for a small molecule, and its effectiveness as a solvent for ionic compounds and polar organics alike.
Ethanol is a highly flammable liquid (Flash Point ~12–13°C) and must be stored and handled accordingly — away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. In the UAE's warm climate, maintaining appropriate storage conditions is especially important to prevent pressure build-up and vapour ignition risk.
Advantages of Ethanol as an Industrial Solvent
Excellent solvency for both polar and non-polar compounds
Fast evaporation rate — ideal for cleaning and coating applications
Fully miscible with water — easy to dilute and formulate
Effective broad-spectrum disinfectant at 70–96% concentration
Accepted in pharmaceutical and food applications (where grade-appropriate)
Available in two grades (96% and 99.9%) to precisely match application requirements
Storage and Safe Handling of Ethanol
Storage Requirements
Ethanol is a Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN 1170) and must be stored in approved, tightly sealed containers — preferably stainless steel, HDPE, or approved plastic — in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep away from heat sources, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidising agents. In the UAE's hot climate, ambient temperatures can significantly increase vapour pressure; ensure storage areas are shaded and temperature-controlled where possible.
Safe Handling
Always wear appropriate PPE when handling Ethanol: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and where vapours may accumulate, use respiratory protection. Ensure adequate ventilation in all handling areas. Avoid ignition sources — Ethanol vapour is heavier than air and can travel to distant ignition points. Follow all local UAE civil defence and COSHH requirements for flammable solvent handling.
Safety Data Sheet
Contact Hazchem Chemicals LLC at info@hazchem.ae to request the latest Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) for Ethanol 96% or Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute).
Packaging Options
Hazchem Chemicals LLC supplies Ethanol in packaging designed for safe handling, efficient storage, and reliable transport across UAE and GCC — compliant with ADR/IMDG regulations for Class 3 flammable liquids.
25 L Jerry Cans — HDPE, suitable for small-volume users and laboratory supply
200 L Drums — HDPE or stainless steel drums for medium-volume industrial use
1000 L IBC Tanks — Intermediate Bulk Containers for large industrial customers
Bulk tanker supply — available on request for very large-volume consumers
Minimum order quantities and lead times vary. Contact us for a tailored bulk supply quote.
Ethanol Supply Across UAE & GCC
Hazchem Chemicals LLC supplies Ethanol across the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region. Our clients include pharmaceutical manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, sanitizer producers, cleaning chemical companies, laboratories, and industrial chemical users.
We deliver to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and export to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Hazchem maintains consistent stock levels and reliable logistics to ensure uninterrupted supply for industrial operations across the region.
Why Choose Hazchem Chemicals LLC?
✔ Ready stock of Ethanol 96% and 99.9% for immediate delivery across UAE
✔ Reliable, consistent product quality with full documentation (CoA, SDS)
✔ Bulk supply options — jerry cans, drums, IBC tanks, and tanker delivery
✔ Competitive pricing with fast response to enquiries
✔ Trusted by clients in pharma, cosmetics, cleaning, and chemical industries
✔ Safe, ADR-compliant packaging and efficient logistics across UAE & GCC
FAQs
Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol, C₂H₅OH, CAS 64-17-5) is a clear, colourless, flammable organic compound classified as a primary alcohol. It is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals globally, serving as a solvent, disinfectant, chemical intermediate, and fuel additive. Industrial grades are supplied at 96% or 99.9% (Absolute) purity.
Ethanol 96% (rectified spirit) contains approximately 4% water — it forms an azeotrope with water at this concentration, meaning it cannot be further purified by simple distillation. It is suitable for cleaning, disinfection, and general industrial applications. Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute Ethanol) is anhydrous — virtually water-free — and is required for pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, sensitive laboratory work, and processes where water must be excluded. Both grades are chemically identical (C₂H₅OH); the difference is water content.
In pharmaceuticals, Ethanol is used as a solvent in liquid formulations (syrups, tinctures, elixirs), a carrier for active ingredients, a disinfectant and antiseptic, a preservative, and a solvent for extraction of plant-based medicines. Ethanol 99.9% (Absolute) is preferred where anhydrous conditions are required. Grade selection should comply with USP, BP, or relevant pharmacopoeial standards.
Hazchem Chemicals LLC supplies Ethanol (96% and 99.9% Absolute) across the UAE with fast delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. Contact us at info@hazchem.ae or call +971 6 520 5127 for bulk pricing and availability.
No. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA, C₃H₇OH) are different chemical compounds. Both are used as solvents and disinfectants, but they have different molecular structures, different toxicological profiles, and different regulatory approvals. Ethanol is approved for pharmaceutical and food use (in appropriate grades); IPA is not suitable for oral consumption. For surface disinfection, both are effective — the choice depends on your application and regulatory requirements.
Ethanol is classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid (UN 1170). Its primary hazard is flammability — Flash Point ~12–13°C means it ignites easily at ambient temperatures. Required PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection where vapours may accumulate. Store away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Refer to the SDS for full hazard and handling guidance.
In the UAE's hot climate, Ethanol must be stored in sealed, approved containers in a cool, shaded, and well-ventilated area — ideally with temperature control below 30°C. High ambient temperatures increase vapour pressure significantly, raising explosion and fire risk. Keep containers away from direct sunlight, heat sources, oxidising agents, and ignition sources. Comply with local UAE civil defence regulations for flammable liquid storage.
Yes. Hazchem Chemicals LLC exports Ethanol to Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain in addition to all UAE emirates. Contact us at info@hazchem.ae for export pricing, documentation, and logistics.
Ethanol is available in 25 L jerry cans, 200 L HDPE or stainless steel drums, and 1000 L IBC tanks. Bulk tanker supply is available on request for large-volume consumers. Minimum order quantities vary by grade and delivery location. Contact us directly for bulk pricing, lead times, and available stock.