Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Essential Solvent and Disinfectant for Industrial & Household Applications

Technical Introduction

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), also known as 2-propanol or isopropanol, is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a sharp alcoholic odor. It is the simplest secondary alcohol, commonly used as a solvent, antiseptic, and cleaning agent.

• Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O or C₃H₇OH

• CAS Number: 67-63-0

• Molecular Weight: 60.1 g/mol

• Structure: Secondary alcohol (hydroxyl group attached to a secondary carbon)

• Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, ether, chloroform, and most organic solvents

Key Functional Properties:

• Excellent solvent for oils, resins, and gums

• Fast evaporation with no residue

• Antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses

• Good compatibility with water and other solvents

Applications

1. Healthcare & Disinfection

• Used in hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants (typically 70% solutions for maximum efficacy).

• Antiseptic for skin cleaning before injections.

• Cleaning of medical instruments.

2. Electronics & Precision Cleaning

• Cleans delicate components (circuit boards, connectors) without residue.

• Removes flux residues after soldering.

• Dissolves oils, dust, and fingerprints from glass and lenses.

3. Industrial Applications

• Solvent in paints, inks, coatings, and adhesives.

• Extraction agent in chemical processes.

• De-icing fluid in aviation fuel systems.

• Intermediate in the production of acetone, isopropyl acetate, and other chemicals.

4. Household & Consumer Products

• Ingredient in window cleaners, detergents, and deodorants.

• Used for cleaning electronics, mobile phones, and eyeglasses.

• Added to personal care products like aftershaves and lotions.

5. Automotive Uses

• Gasoline additive to prevent water condensation in fuel tanks.

• Used as a de-icing agent for windshields.

✅ Advantages

• Fast-drying & residue-free cleaning agent.

• Broad-spectrum disinfectant against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

• Cost-effective solvent compared to ethanol.

• Non-corrosive to most plastics, glass, and metals.

• Highly versatile — used across medical, industrial, and household sectors.

⚙️ Technical Specifications (Typical Parameters)

⚠️ Safety & Regulatory Notes

• Flammable: Keep away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources.

• Health Hazards:

  • Inhalation → dizziness, headache, respiratory irritation.

  • Skin → drying effect, irritation with prolonged exposure.

  • Ingestion → toxic, may cause nausea and central nervous system depression.

• Handling Precautions:

  • Use in well-ventilated areas.

  • Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry places.

  • Avoid contact with eyes and ingestion.

• Regulatory Status:

  • FDA-approved for use in hand sanitizers (≥ 60% IPA).

  • Listed in USP, EP, JP pharmacopeias for pharmaceutical grade.

❓ FAQ

Q1: Why is 70% isopropyl alcohol more effective than 99% for disinfection?
70% IPA penetrates cell walls more effectively and allows longer contact time, while 99% evaporates too quickly to kill all microbes.

Q2: Can isopropyl alcohol be used on electronics?
Yes. It evaporates quickly and leaves no residue, making it ideal for cleaning circuit boards, connectors, and glass screens.

Q3: Is IPA safe for skin?
In small amounts (as in sanitizers), yes. Prolonged exposure may cause dryness or irritation. Always moisturize after frequent use.

Q4: What’s the difference between isopropyl alcohol and ethanol?
Both are disinfectants. Ethanol is more effective against viruses like norovirus, while IPA is excellent against bacteria and lipid-enveloped viruses. IPA is often preferred for industrial cleaning.

Q5: Can IPA be mixed with water?
Yes, it is fully miscible with water, allowing preparation of different concentration solutions (commonly 70%).