Isopropanol (IPA)

About This Product

Isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol or propan-2-ol, has the formula C3H8O and CAS number 67-63-0. It is a clear, colourless, volatile liquid with a sharp alcoholic odour, boiling at about 82 °C and fully miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is made principally by hydrating propylene, and its value lies in a balance of properties: it dissolves oils, fluxes and many resins, it evaporates quickly without leaving residue, and it is considerably less toxic than methanol. At 99.9 percent purity it is the standard wipe and rinse solvent in electronics, optics and precision cleaning, where water and non-volatile residue would leave marks or cause corrosion. For disinfection the logic runs the other way: solutions of around 70 percent kill microorganisms more effectively than the pure alcohol, because water is needed to denature proteins and slows evaporation so that contact time is sufficient. Sanitiser makers therefore dilute high-purity material to the concentration they need rather than buy weaker grades. It is used in electronics and precision cleaning, pharmaceutical synthesis and extraction, disinfectant and sanitiser production, printing inks and coatings, cosmetics and personal care, and as a chemical intermediate for isopropyl esters and amines. Bio Green Chem supplies isopropanol at 99.9 percent minimum in 160 kg drums or ISO tanks, with the full specification on water, acidity, colour and non-volatile residue confirmed with the quotation. It is highly flammable, causes serious eye irritation and its vapour may cause drowsiness; handle to the safety data sheet.