Substance profile
Ethanol
Ethanol is a clear, colorless, very mobile liquid with a pleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Ethanol is
Ethanol is a clear, colorless, very mobile liquid with a pleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C2H6O and its molecular weight is 46.07 g/mol. It boils at 78.2 °C, melts at -114 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · Identifiers
Ethanol identifiers and molecular data
Ethanol CAS number and EC number
Ethanol molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Ethanol
- ethyl alcohol
- grain alcohol
- denatured alcohol
- C2H5OH
- Absolute Ethanol
- Alcare Hand Degermer
- Alcohol
- Alcohol Anhydrous
- Alcohol Dehydrated
- Alcohol, Anhydrous
- Algrain
- Anhydrol
- Anhydrol Pm 4085
- 100C.Npa
- Cologne Spirit
- Cologne Spirits (Alcohol)
03 · GHS classification
Ethanol hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Ethanol pictograms and signal word
Ethanol hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
Ethanol hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Ethanol. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Ethanol
Our own Ethanol safety data sheet walks through all sixteen sections of the published data. What it is not is the document an inspector asks for: an SDS is issued for a product by its supplier, so the sheet covering the grade actually standing in your store exists only in that supplier’s version. Collecting those and keeping them current as suppliers revise them is a separate job.
04 · Precautionary statements
Ethanol precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 5 precautionary statements to Ethanol. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Ethanol name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | етанол етилов алкохол |
| Spanish español | Etanol alcohol etílico |
| Czech čeština | ethanol ethylalkohol |
| Danish dansk | ethanol ethylalkohol |
| German Deutsch | Ethanol Ethylalkohol |
| Estonian eesti | etanool etüülalkohol |
| Greek ελληνικά | αιθανόλη αιθυλική αλκοόλη |
| English English | ethanol ethyl alcohol |
| French français | éthanol alcool éthylique |
| Croatian hrvatski | etanol etil-alkohol |
| Italian italiano | etanolo alcool etilico |
| Latvian latviešu | etanols etilspirts |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | etanolis etilo alkoholis |
| Hungarian magyar | etanol etil-alkohol |
| Maltese Malti | etanol alkoħol tal-etil |
| Dutch Nederlands | ethanol ethylalcohol |
| Polish polski | etanol alkohol etylowy |
| Portuguese português | etanol álcool etílico |
| Romanian română | etanol alcool etilic |
| Slovak slovenčina | etanol etylalkohol |
| Slovenian slovenščina | etanol etilni alkohol |
| Finnish suomi | etanoli etyylialkoholi |
| Swedish svenska | etanol etylalkohol |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Ethanol GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Ethanol, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Ethanol
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Ethanol in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Ethanol health hazards and exposure limits
Ethanol hazard summary
Drinking alcoholic beverages is a known human carcinogen listed by the International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP). Alcohol consumption causes cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, colorectum, liver (hepatocellular carcinoma) and female breast. [Reference #2] That ethyl alcohol is unlikely to be an occupational carcinogen is reflected by its classification as 5 by MAC. MAC defines 5 as, Substances with carcinogenic and genotoxic effects, the potency of which is considered to be so low that, provided the MAK and BAT values are observed, no significant contribution to human cancer risk is to be expected. Drinking alcoholic beverages is also a reproductive hazard, causing fetal alcohol syndrome. Low level occupational exposures are not likely to harm the fetus. [Frazier, p. 175-7] Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] Suspected germ cell mutagen (3B); [MAK] Causes non-immunological contact urticaria; [Kanerva, p. 219]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Ethanol carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of this 2-year drinking water study, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of urethane in male B6C3F 1 mice based on increased incidences of liver, lung, harderian gland, skin and forestomach neoplasms and of hemangiosarcoma, primarily of the liver and heart. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of urethane in female B6C3F 1 mice based on increased incidences of liver, lung, harderian gland, mammary gland, and ovarian neoplasms and of hemangiosarcoma, primarily of the liver and spleen. The occurrences of hemangiosarcoma of the spleen in males and of the uterus and skin in females may have been exposure related.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-510: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Urethane + Ethanol (CASRNs 51-79-6 & 64-17-5) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Drinking Water Studies) (2004 )
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Ethanol occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 1000.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 3300 ppm ; Based on 10% of the lower explosive limit. [From NPG: Ethyl alcohol] (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 3300 ppm ; Based on 10% of the lower explosive limit. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 3300.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Ethanol properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Ethanol boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 78.24 °C (172.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 78.33 °C (173 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 78.5 °C (173.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Ethanol melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -114.14 °C (-173.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -113.89 °C (-173 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -114.11 °C (-173.4 °F) | CAMEO |
Ethanol density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.79 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.7893 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 0.79 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
Ethanol solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform; soluble in benzene | HSDB | |
| Miscible with many organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, miscible /1X10+6 mg/L/ at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Ethanol vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.0075 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 44 mmHg | NIOSH | ||
| 59.3 mmHg | at 25 °C, Extrapolated | HSDB |
Ethanol flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 14 °C (57.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | HSDB |
Ethanol autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 362.78 °C (685 °F) | HSDB | |
| 365 °C (689 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 400 °C (752 °F) | ICSC |
Ethanol lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 3.3 % by volume | HSDB |
Ethanol upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 19 % by volume | HSDB |
Ethanol vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 1.59 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 1.6 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Ethanol odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | 10 PPM | HSDB | |
| 1.00X10-1 mg/L gas (detection in air, purity not specified) | HSDB | ||
| 1.00X10+2 mg/L liquid (detection in water, purity not specified) | HSDB |
Ethanol critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 243.1 °C (469.6 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Ethanol fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Ethanol fire potential
Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or flame ... .
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Ethanol storage and handling
Ethanol reactive group
CAMEO Chemicals places Ethanol in the reactive group Alcohols and Polyols. Compatibility with other chemicals is worked out from the group, not from the individual substance — which is why two substances you have never seen react can still be flagged as a pair that must be separated.
A reactive group is a CAMEO Chemicals (US NOAA) grouping, not a GHS hazard class: it has no code, no category and no legal force. It is what the storage compatibility matrix on this site computes from.
Ethanol safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Ethanol storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Ethanol incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Alkali metals, oxidizing agents, peroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Ethanol in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Ethanol UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Ethanol under UN 1170 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETHANOL (ETHYL ALCOHOL) or ETHANOL SOLUTION (ETHYL ALCOHOL SOLUTION) | 3 | F1 | II | |
| ETHANOL SOLUTION (ETHYL ALCOHOL SOLUTION) | 3 | F1 | III | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethanol or Ethyl alcohol or Ethanol solutions or Ethyl alcohol solutions | 3 | II | |
| Ethanol or Ethyl alcohol or Ethanol solutions or Ethyl alcohol solutions | 3 | III | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Ethanol — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Ethanol?
The CAS number of Ethanol is 64-17-5. Its EC number is 200-578-6.
What is the chemical formula of Ethanol?
The molecular formula of Ethanol is C2H6O and its molecular weight is 46.07 g/mol.
What does a Ethanol label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Ethanol carries the pictogram Flame and the signal word is Danger.
Is Ethanol flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Ethanol H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 14 °C (57.2 °F) (HSDB).
Is Ethanol a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Ethanol. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 1: carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Ethanol?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Ethanol is 1000.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Ethanol?
The boiling point reported for Ethanol is 78.24 °C (172.8 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Ethanol?
The melting point reported for Ethanol is -114.14 °C (-173.5 °F) (HSDB).
How should Ethanol be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Ethanol the storage statement P403. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Hygroscopic. Storage class (TRGS 510): Flammable liquids (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Ethanol
Keep going: substances starting with E, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.
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