[dho]

Denatured alcohol was covered by military spec O-E-760, type III. this spec is canceled. our supplier said (houghton chemical corp's distributor) the one we got, PM 509 200 proof ethanol solution UN1170, meets A-A-53880. spec A-A-53880 title is "alcohol USP". as i understand, only pure, un-denatured alcohol can be labeled as USP. so, the alcohol we bought meets or does not meet A-A_53880 ? thanks.

[Archer]

Can you direct us to the relevant specifications?

As a general rule the USP material will perform in the same way to denatured alcohol in most applications (not all!), you will generally pay a much higher premium for USP or food grade ethanol and this is why denatured is used except under certain circumstances.

[curiouscat]

As a general rule the USP material will perform in the same way to denatured alcohol in most applications (not all!),

Out of curiosity, which are the exceptions? My impression was wherever denatured is needed USP can always be used but not vice versa. Strictly from a scientific viewpoint though, not legal.

I might be wrong though.

[Archer]

Out of curiosity, which are the exceptions? My impression was wherever denatured is needed USP can always be used but not vice versa.

Sorry for any confusion is due to my poor choice of words. I meant that the two are interchangeable in many applications, but not all.

[curiouscat]

Out of curiosity, which are the exceptions? My impression was wherever denatured is needed USP can always be used but not vice versa.

Sorry for any confusion is due to my poor choice of words. I meant that the two are interchangeable in many applications, but not all.

No no, @Archer, I think you were clear.

What I was interested in knowing was an example or application where denatured is ok but USP not acceptable.