95% ethyl alcohol is a solution containing 95% ethanol and 5% water by volume—commonly used in laboratories, medical settings, and as a disinfectant.
Characteristics:
- Composition: 95% ethanol (C₂H₅OH) + 5% water
- Also called: Rectified spirit, grain alcohol (in some contexts)
- Proof: 190 proof (proof = 2 × % alcohol)
Common Uses:
- Laboratory reagent and solvent
- Medical disinfection and sterilization
- Herbal tinctures and extractions
- Industrial applications
- Beverage production (diluted)
Why Not 100%?
- Ethanol and water form an azeotrope at ~95.6%
- Difficult to remove remaining water without special techniques
- 95% is the practical maximum through standard distillation
Importants Points:
- Composition: 95% ethanol, 5% water
- Uses: Laboratory, medical, industrial
- Why 95%: Azeotropic limit of distillation