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Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is volatile, flammable, multi-purpose product used in a variety of industries and typically found in the common household medicine cabinet where it is used as an antiseptic in 70% concentration. It is a colourless liquid having disinfectant properties, also used in the manufacture of acetone and as a solvent.

Synonyms
IPA, Isopropanol, Propanol, 1 - Methylethanol, 1 - Methylethyl Alcohol, 2 - Hydroxypropane, 2 - Propanol, 2 - Propyl Alcohol, Dimethyl Carbinol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propan - 2 - ol, Propyl Alcohol
Chemical Formula
(CH3)2CH2O
CAS Number
67-63-0

Characteristics

Molar Weight
60,1 g/mol
Melting Point
-89 °C
Boiling Point
81.1°C to 83.3°C
Flash Point
12.0°C
Density
0.786 g/cc
Forms
Liquid (clear), Colourless

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Disinfectant
  • Ink, toner and colourant
  • Fungicide
  • Sanitizers
  • Anti-freeze
  • Lacquers
  • Ceramics
  • Cleaning products
  • Adhesives and Sealants
  • Solvents
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetic products

Industries

Isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is also known as isopropanol and 2-propanol. It is the simplest non-cyclic secondary alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent in numerous industries and is found in private households mainly as an antiseptic. The chemical formula is (CH3)2CH2O. In nature, the monohydric, easily evaporating alcohol is found in apples and pelargoniums, a plant genus often colloquially referred to as geranium.
Variety of pills and capsules

Isopropyl alcohol in medicine

In the pharmaceutical, veterinary and health care industries, isopropyl alcohol is contained in numerous disinfectants used in hospitals and doctors' offices to disinfect skin and surfaces. It is also a component of antifungal creams. In pharmaceutical products, it serves as a solvent and dilutant.
Person cleaning bath

Isopropyl alcohol in the household

Isopropyl is also used in the household industry. It dissolves grease, paints (e.g. ink, biros and sharpies) and adhesive residues (e.g. from stickers) and is therefore a versatile cleaning agent in all-purpose cleaners. It is also used successfully as a glass cleaner, in eyeglass cleaning cloths and against mould.
Woman putting on make-up

Isopropyl alcohol in cosmetics

In the field of personal care and cosmetics, isopropyl alcohol serves as a solvent and dilutant and is used in shaving lotions, bath additives, make-up products as well as nail, hair and skin care products.
side view of a luxus car. nice sharpness in the mirror

Isopropyl alcohol in vehicles

In the automotive industry, isopropyl alcohol is used in antifreeze for the cooling system and windscreen washer system of vehicles. The working principle: the alcohol lowers the freezing point of the water and thus melts the ice. In addition isopropyl alcohol is a component of so-called fuel system cleaners, which are added to the fuel of motor vehicles to remove residues and water in the system. Isopropyl alcohol is also an important ingredient of fuel additives for gas dryers.

Other applications of isopropyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is suitable for de-icing door locks, cleaning microscopes and displays, and as a solvent for greases, varnishes, resins and ink. It is also used for the extraction and cleaning of natural products.
Other applications include adhesives and cements (for example in the construction industry), coupling and dehumidifying agents, paint solvents and preservatives, and offset printing machines. Isopropyl alcohol is used to preserve biological samples. Isopropyl alcohol is also used as a defoaming agent and in the production of acetone. Mixed with water and washing-up liquid, isopropyl alcohol is even a suitable cleaning agent for vinyl records!