1. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) miscible in water and readily soluble in a
number of common organic solvents such
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as as acids, esters, and ketones.
isopropanol, 2-propanol, dimethylcarbinol,
and sec-propyl alcohol, is a colorless, Chemical properties of isopropyl alcohol
volatile, and flammable liquid (at room are determined by its functional hydroxyl
temperature), having a molecular weight of group in the secondary position. Except for
60.09 and a slight odor resembling a the production of acetone, most isopropyl
mixture of ethyl alcohol and acetone. Its alcohol chemistry involves the introduction
melting point is -89 oC and boiling point is of the isopropyl or isopropoxy group into
82 oC. other organic molecules by the breaking of
the C-OH or the O-H bond in the isopropyl
Isopropyl, the lowest member of the class alcohol molecule.
of secondary alcohols, is generally known
as the first petrochemical. Of the lower Uses of isopropyl alcohol are chemical,
(C1-C5) alcohols, isopropyl alcohol is solvent, and medical.
third in commercial production, behind
methanol and ethyl alcohol. It undergoes 1.Chemical
reactions typical of an active secondary
alcohol and can be dehydrogenated, The use of isopropyl alcohol as a feedstock
oxidized, esterified, etherified, aminated, for the production of acetone is expected to
halogenated, or otherwise modified at the remain stable. Isopropyl alcohol is also
OH moiety more readily than primary consumed in the production of other
alcohols such as n-propyl or ethyl alcohol. chemicals such as methyl isobutyl ketone,
methyl isobutyl, isopropylamine, and
It has the molecular formula C3H7OH isopropyl acetate. The use of diisopropyl
(CH3CH(OH)CH3). ether as a fuel ether may become a
significant outlet for isopropyl alcohol.
2.Solvent
Because of its balance between alcohol,
water, and hydrocarbon-like
characteristics, isopropyl alcohol is an
excellent, low cost solvent free from
Two processes are used to produce IPA. government regulations and taxes that
apply to ethyl alcohol. The lower toxicity
1. A two-step (indirect) hydrogenation and of isopropyl alcohol favors its use over
then hydrolysis of a petroleum product, methyl alcohol, even though the former is
propylene, using acid and water. somewhat higher in cost. Consequently,
isopropyl alcohol is used as a solvent in
2. A one-step (direct) hydrogenation of a many consumer products as well as
petroleum product, propylene, with an acid industrial products and procedures, eg,
catalyst. gasification and extractions. It is a good
solvent for a variety of oils, gums, waxes ,
Physical properties of isopropyl alcohol are resins, and alkaloids, and consequently is
characteristic of polar compounds because used for preparing cements, primers,
of the presence of the polar hydroxyl, -OH, varnishes, paints, printing inks, etc.
group. Isopropyl alcohol is completely
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2. Isopropyl alcohol is also employed widely tincture of iodine, and bathing solutions for
as a solvent for cosmetics, eg, lotions, surgical sutures and dressings.
perfumes, shampoos, skin cleansers, nail
polishes, makeup removers, deodorants,
body oils, and skin lotions. In cosmetic
applications, the acetone-like odor of
isopropyl alcohol is masked by the
addition of fragrance.
Aerosol products contain isopropyl alcohol
solvent. Aerosol formulations include hair
sprays, floor detergents, shoe polishes, The largest use for IPA is as a solvent. The
insecticides, burn ointments, window second largest use is as a chemical
cleaners, waxes and polishes, paints, intermediate. IPA is also found in many
automotive products, insect repellents, flea everyday products such as paints, inks,
and tick spray, air refreshers, disinfectants, general-purpose cleaners, disinfectants,
veterinary wound and pinkeye spray, first- room sprays and windshield deicing
aid spray, foot fungicide, and fabric- agents.
wrinkle remover.
IPA is commonly used in Nitrocellulose
Like acetone, it dissolves a wide range of -based lacquers and thinners for wood
nonpolar compounds. It is also relatively finishing, in adhesives, pharmaceuticals,
non-toxic and dries (evaporates) quickly. cosmetics and toiletries, disinfectants,
Thus it is used widely as a solvent and as a rubbing compounds, and lithography. It is
cleaning fluid, especially for also used as an ingredient in cleaners and
dissolving lipophilic contaminants such as polishers, as a chemical intermediate, and
oil. as a dehydrating agent and extractant.
Isopropyl alcohol works well at removing IPA is a flammable material and should be
smudges, dirt. It can also be used to handled only with adequate ventilation and
remove stains from most fabrics, wood, in areas where ignition sources have been
cotton, etc. removed (e.g., matches and unprotected
light switches).
3.Medical Usage
The flash point for IPA is 53°F / 12°C
Isopropyl alcohol is also used as an
antiseptic and disinfectant for home,
hospital, and industry. It is about twice as
effective as ethyl alcohol in these
applications. Rubbing alcohol, a popular
70 vol % isopropyl alcohol-in-water
mixture, exemplifies the medicinal use of
isopropyl alcohol. Other examples include
30 vol % isopropyl alcohol solutions for
medicinal liniments, tinctures of green
soap, scalp tonics, and tincture of
mercurophen. It is contained in
pharmaceuticals, eg, local anesthetics,
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