Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl Alcohol has three chemical formulas: C₃H₈O or C₃H₇OH or CH₃CHOHCH₃. It is also recognized by other synonyms that include 2-propanol, dimethylcarbinol, and rubbing alcohol, as well as Isopropanol.

The colorless chemical compound is one of the most common members of the alcohol family of liquid organic compounds. It was first produced as commercial synthetic alcohol. It is easily synthesized by the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid when followed by hydrolysis. It is used to manufacture acetone and its derivatives as well as a solvent. Because of its antibacterial properties, it is also used as a topical antiseptic.

Isopropanol has a flash point of 53 °F. Its vapors are heavier than air and are mildly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Applications

Isopropyl Alcohol is primarily manufactured for consumer use in cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, antifreezes, soaps, window cleaners. The bottled liquid is sold in 70% aqueous solution as rubbing alcohol.

Industrial applications include: Adhesives and sealant chemicals, non-pesticidal agricultural chemicals, fuels and fuel additives, intermediates, lubricants, paint and coating additives, process regulators and aids specific to petroleum production, and cleaning solvents for cleaning or degreasing.