what is argon purged USP ethanol? Does it mean it's purer?

[kwfx]

what is argon purged USP ethanol? Does it mean it's purer than regular 190 proof ethanol?

Thanks.

[Consumer Products Guy]

I don't know what "argon purged" is.

200 proof ethanol (no methanol or IPA) is available from Sigma-Aldrich or alcohol suppliers. Be aware that HPLC grade alcohol may also contain 5% methanol and/or 5% IPA, and be anhydrous or 200 proof but still not be what you want.

USP charges a zillion dollars for everything.

[LC_labrat]

If taken literally I would think it means to purge the USP ethanol with argon gas, similar to a helium purge, to remove air bubbles? Now why you wouldn't just use an in-line degasser I'm not sure. Reminds me of an article by Dolan in LC Troubleshooting on Grandma's Ham.

[tom jupille]

Actually, argon purge would make bubble problems worse. I seem to recall that argon is more soluble than nitrogen.