industrial methylated spirits

Industrial Methylated Spirits (IMS) is a specific type of denatured alcohol widely used in pharmaceutical, industrial, and laboratory settings. It typically consists of a mixture of 19 volumes of ethanol (approximately 95% v/v) and 1 volume of approved wood naphtha (methanol), though a 99% v/v formulation is also common. In the pharmaceutical industry, IMS serves as a critical solvent for the preparation of various medicinal products and as a topical disinfectant and antiseptic. Its mechanism of action as an antiseptic involves the denaturation of proteins and the dissolution of lipid membranes in microorganisms, leading to rapid cell death. While primarily used as an excipient or for surface sterilization, it is recognized in pharmacopoeias such as the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) as a medicinal substance. Due to the presence of methanol, it is toxic if ingested and is strictly regulated to prevent recreational consumption.

Other names

Industrial Methylated SpiritIndustrial Denatured AlcoholIMS 99IMS99IMS-99IMS 95IMS95IMS-95denatured alcohol