Isopropyl Alcohol

What is Isopropyl Alcohol?

Molecular Formula (Isopropyl Alcohol): C₃H₈O

Molecular Weight: 60.096 g/mol

CAS Number: 67-63-0

Chemical Name: Propan-2-ol

It is known as rubbing alcohol. It is also the common name for the molecule Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). It is also referred to as rubbing alcohol. Therefore, it is not a type of alcohol suitable for human consumption.

IPA has many of the same properties as Ethanol. The two can exhibit similar properties. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA); rubbing alcohol is beneficial for many household applications.

It is an isomer of 1-Propanol. It has disinfectant properties. For this reason, it has a wide range of applications in industry due to its cleaning properties.

IPA, also known as 2-Propanol, is an isomer of 1-Propanol. It is a chemical with antiseptic properties.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• IPA
• Isopropanol
• 2-Propanol
• Propan-2-ol
• sec-Propyl Alcohol
• 1-methylethyl alcohol
• i-Propanol
• 67-63-0
• 1-methylethanol
• 2-propyl alcohol
• 2-hydroxypropane

How is Isopropyl Alcohol Produced?

Almost 74% of its production takes place in the USA, Western Europe, and Japan.

It is produced by 3 different methods. These 3 methods are the direct hydration of propylene, indirect hydration of propylene, and catalytic hydrogenation of acetone.

During IPA production, the direct hydration of propylene is a newer method compared to other IPA production processes. In the direct hydration of propylene process, propylene and water are reacted under high pressure.

A solid or supported acid catalyst is used in this process. A mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and water is produced in the manufacturing process. This production method is less corrosive than indirect IPA production. Higher purity propylene must be used for the direct hydration process.

One of the production processes is the indirect hydration of propylene. Propylene is an organic gas that occurs during natural gas production. The indirect hydration in the Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) production process requires a reaction with sulfuric acid. Since sulfuric acid is used here, it is also referred to as the sulfuric acid process.

This process is a 2-step operation. Here, monoisopropyl and diisopropyl sulfates are first obtained. The intermediate chemicals formed following the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid are then hydrolyzed by reacting with water.

The 3rd IPA production process is the catalytic hydrogenation of Acetone. Acetone is a chemical liquid closely related to IPA. While Acetone is produced by its oxidation, Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of Acetone. Catalytic hydrogenation occurs by reacting acetone with hydrogen gas under high pressure and in the presence of metal catalysts such as Raney nickel, palladium, and ruthenium.

What are its Physical and Chemical Properties?

It is a colorless, flammable, and organic compound. Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) mixes well with many solvents, including water.

It is a volatile chemical. Its vapors are heavier than air. It may have a mild irritating effect on the eyes, nose, and throat.

Boiling point is 83 °C.

Melting point is -89.5 °C.

In terms of solubility, it is miscible with alcohol, ether, and chloroform but is insoluble in salt solutions.

The density of IPA is known to be 0.875 g/mL at 25 °C.

For stability, it should be stored in closed containers as loss may occur due to volatility. It should be kept away from heat and direct sunlight.

What are the Usage Areas of Isopropyl Alcohol?

• It has many uses in industry.
• It is used as a solvent in the production of roll-on deodorants.
• It is used together with benzyl alcohol and a surfactant such as alkyl aryl sulfonate for removing dirt from hard surfaces.
• The chemical used to clean eyeglass lenses is IPA. In this application, it is used by spraying it onto eyeglass lenses.
• It is used as a disinfectant in the medical field.
• It is used as a de-icing agent for liquid fuels.
• Isopropyl alcohol is used as a denaturing agent for fast-drying oils and inks.
• In its field of use, it acts as a solvent for gums, creosote, and resins.
• It is most commonly used as a solvent and generally as a cleaning agent.
• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is used in many areas such as in the production of paint thinners, inks, general-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and windshield de-icing chemicals.
• It is frequently used to clean wounds in places like tattoo parlors.
• It is a common solvent chemical used in nail polish manufacturing.
• To prevent the deterioration of wood and wood-like products, these woods are impregnated with solutions containing 5% Isopropyl Alcohol, especially against highly porous dry rot fungi. This way, these types of fungi are prevented.
• It is used extensively in the leather tanning industry. Its disinfectant property is utilized here.
• It is used in the manufacture of adhesive and sealant chemicals.
• It is used in the manufacture of agricultural chemicals. However, this refers to the manufacture of non-pesticidal chemicals.
• As a field of use, it is used in the manufacture of lubricants and lubricant additive chemicals.
• It is used in the manufacture of fuels and fuel additives.
• It is used in pigment manufacturing.
• It is used in the manufacture of solvents.
• It is used in the manufacture of surfactants.
• Isopropyl Alcohol is used in sack manufacturing.
• It is used in the manufacture of electrical and electronic products.
• It is used with Aerosil 200 (Fumed Silica) to produce artificial smoke in film studios.
• It acts as a solvent raw material in the manufacture of personal care products.
• It is used as a solvent and flammability-enhancing agent in the production of chafing fuel.
• It is used in the manufacture of ink, toner, and coloring products.
• Cleaning chemicals with antiseptic properties are used to clean hairdressing equipment. Isopropyl Alcohol is especially used when cleaning electric shavers.
• It is used as a solvent in the process of modifying Isocyanates and Silicon Dioxide in the production of coating materials in the automotive sector and some industrial areas.
• It is used in oil and dirt cleaning compositions containing Methylene Chloride. This allows for very easy removal of oil and grease.

What are the Factors Affecting its Price?

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) prices have been increasing for a long time. The price of this chemical substance varies depending on its area of use. As the area of use increases, the price will also increase.

The price of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) varies depending on the production facility. As the number of production facilities increases, the price of IPA temporarily decreases.

The price of this chemical depends on the stocks of the companies that sell Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). If the company selling this raw material has large stocks, it can sell it at a more affordable price.