is a versatile solvent and disinfectant widely used in pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics, and industrial cleaning. It is valued for rapid evaporation, antimicrobial properties, and ability to dissolve oils and residues, but requires careful handling due to flammability and toxicity risks.
🔹 Chemical Identity
Name: Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), also called 2-Propanol
Formula: C₃H₈O or (CH₃)₂CHOH
CAS Number: 67-63-0
Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless, volatile, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor
🔹 Technical Specifications
Property
Value
Boiling Point
82.3 – 82.6 °C
Freezing Point
−88.5 to −89.5 °C
Density at 20°C
0.785 – 0.786 g/cm³
Specific Gravity
~0.79
Flash Point
11.7 °C
Miscibility
Fully miscible with water, ethanol, chloroform, and many organic solvents
Surface Tension
~21.3 mN/m at 20°C
🔹 Industrial Applications
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
Used in hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and antiseptics (commonly 70% IPA solutions).
Electronics & Semiconductors
Cleans circuit boards, wafers, and flux residues due to non-conductive, fast-evaporating nature.
Laboratories
Solvent for DNA extraction, sample preparation, and sterilization.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Ingredient in lotions, perfumes, and hair products for quick-drying effects.
Industrial Cleaning
Removes oils, greases, and adhesives from machinery and surfaces.
Chemical Industry
Used as a solvent, intermediate, and extraction agent.
🔹 Benefits
Rapid Evaporation: Leaves surfaces streak-free, ideal for electronics and optics.
Antimicrobial Action: Effective against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses.
Versatile Solvent: Dissolves oils, resins, and polar/non-polar compounds.
Cost-Effective: Widely available and relatively inexpensive.
Non-Conductive: Safe for cleaning sensitive electrical components.
