Comparison of Ethyl Alcohol 96% vs 99.9% for Perfume Mixing and Volume Calculation (1 kg)
Question
I am planning to use Ethyl Alcohol (96%, Perfumer Grade, Low-Odor) for mixing perfume.
- Does the 96% grade have a truly low odor, similar to Ethyl Alcohol 99.9%?
- How significant is the difference in performance when mixing perfume between the 96% and 99.9% grades?
- What is the volume (in Liters) of 1 kilogram of Ethyl Alcohol (96%, Perfumer Grade, Low-Odor)?
Answer
Here is the comparison between Ethyl Alcohol 96% and 99.9%, along with the volume calculation for 1 kg of 96% alcohol.
1. Odor Comparison (96% vs. 99.9%)
Both products are Perfumer Grade and are specifically selected for their low odor, making them suitable for perfume mixing.
- Ethyl Alcohol 99.9% (ID 706): This is the highest purity grade (200 Proof) and is described as having a very mild smell (low odor). Due to its minimal water content (less than 0.25%), it is the most neutral and least-scented option available.
- Ethyl Alcohol 96% (ID 35354): This grade is described as having a mild odor and "no foreign smell." While it is excellent for perfume, the 99.9% grade is technically purer and will have a slightly more neutral profile.
Conclusion: Both are excellent low-odor choices, but the 99.9% grade is technically more odorless due to its higher purity.
2. Performance Difference in Perfume Mixing
The main difference when mixing perfume is the water content:
| Feature | Ethyl Alcohol 99.9% | Ethyl Alcohol 96% |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.9% (Minimal water) | 96% (Contains 4% water) |
| Performance | Premium choice, ensures maximum solubility and volatility. Preferred for high-end or complex fragrances where water content must be minimized. | Excellent and economical choice. The 4% water content is generally acceptable for most standard perfumes and can sometimes help with the initial "bloom" of the fragrance. |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Conclusion: For most standard perfume formulations, the difference in the final product will be minimal. The 96% grade is a highly economical and effective choice for general perfume mixing. The 99.9% grade is recommended when absolute purity and minimal water content are required.
3. Volume of 1 kg of Ethyl Alcohol (96%)
To calculate the volume, we use the density of 96% Ethyl Alcohol, which is approximately 0.805 kg/L (at 20°C).
- Mass: 1 kg
- Density: $\approx 0.805 \text{ kg/L}$
- Volume = Mass / Density
- $1 \text{ kg} / 0.805 \text{ kg/L} \approx 1.242 \text{ Liters}$
Therefore, 1 kg of Ethyl Alcohol (96% , Perfumer Grade, Low-Odor) is approximately 1.24 Liters.
