What is isopropyl alcohol

There are different methods, using different compound combinations, that will produce isopropyl alcohol: Indirect hydration of propylene — this was the only method used to make IPA up until the early s.

It works by combining sulfuric acid and propylene, turning it into monoisopropyl. This mixture is then combined with water to hydrolyze or break down the mix, turning it into IPA.

Catalytic hydrogenation of acetone — when hydrogen gas is mixed with acetone an organic liquid , and then a little bit of metal is thrown in as a catalyst, the mixture reacts under hydrogenation and turns into IPA. Direct hydration of propylene — a process invented recently, it requires water, propylene, and some sort of acidic catalyst like phosphoric acid. When the mixture is exposed to high pressure, it produces a blend of water and isopropyl alcohol that can be separated by distillation.

What Are Its Uses? As a solvent, IPA works extremely well because it evaporates almost instantly, is relatively non-toxic compared to other solvents, and leaves no trace oils on a surface. They also use it to clean their eyeglasses. In the medical field, isopropyl alcohol is a major ingredient in products like rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and surgery wipes. It is an essential part of the medical industry. In laboratory settings, IPA comes in handy as an alternative to formaldehyde, which is used primarily as a specimen preservative.

IPA can be combined with acetate to create isopropyl acetate, a powerful solvent. It also reacts with carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide to make a widely-used herbicide. It is also used to remove excess brake fluid from braking systems. How Safe Is It? Not only is IPA a skin and lung irritant, but prolonged exposure to it can have other negative health effects as well — it is classified as a central nervous system depressant, which means it can cause: Flushed skin Nausea and vomiting Hypothermia Headaches Dizziness Shock In cases of severe overexposure, it can even cause respiratory depression, severe central nervous system issues, and liver damage.

Bacteria and viruses protect their insides with a membrane made up of oils and water. While intact, that membrane allows microbes to exist for long periods of time on surfaces such as tabletops, doors, floors — you name it.

But if the membrane is breached, the microbe dies instantly. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves those protective oils and dries the bacteria or virus. This is why medical facilities routinely wipe surfaces and why in the wake of COVID, virtually everyone has been taking precautions to keep their personal property sterile via rubbing alcohol or other disinfectants.

In industrial applications, many of the same properties of isopropyl alcohol apply. Since isopropyl alcohol is one of the most common and effective chemicals out there, we take pains to ensure we provide the highest quality.

Our chemists understand virtually all blends and how they are used commercially and at a consumer level. What Is Isopropyl Alcohol? Anonymous May 12, Other Applications for Isopropyl Alcohol Aside from disinfecting, what is isopropyl alcohol used for? Recent Blog Posts. What Is Toll Blending? Newsletter Signup. Sign up to receive our newsletters. Blog Company Contact Us.