Alcohol Absolutum, B.P., Absolute Alcohol.

C₂H₆O = 46.048.

Absolute alcohol is ethyl hydroxide, C₂H₅OH, obtained by the dehydration and distillation of weaker spirit, and usually contains not more than 1 per cent., by weight, of water. It is also official in the U.S.P. It occurs as a colourless liquid with a characteristic odour. Specific gravity, 0.794 to 0.7969 (or 0.790 at 25°). Boiling-point 78.5°.

Uses.—Absolute alcohol is used in the preparation of Liquor Ethyl Nitritis and Liquor Sodii Ethylatis. It is of much value as a solvent and as a dehydrating agent, especially in microscopical technique. It is used in aseptic containers to store surgical needles, sutures, etc., in a sterile condition, ready for use.

The British Pharmaceutical Codex, 1911, was published by direction of the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.