Isopropyl Alcohol

Synonyms:

Isopropanol, secondary propyl alcohol, 2-propanol

Chemical formula:

CH3CHOHCH3

International name:

Isopropyl alcohol (metalcans)

Grade:

Import, CP, TU 6-09-402-87

Appearance:

Clear liquid with a strong odor

Isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol, isopropanol) has all properties of secondary fatty alcohols – it is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor of ethyl alcohol. It is soluble in ethanol, methanol, diethyl ester, acetone, benzene; it is miscible with water in all ratios, forms azeotrope mixture with it (87.7% isopropyl alcohol by weight, during dehydration, isopropyl alcohol turns into acetone).

Production:

In industry, isopropyl alcohol is produced primarily by sulfuric or direct hydration of propylene (CH3CHCH2+H2O). As stock, use propane-propylene fraction of cracking gases as well as propylene fraction of oil pyrolysis gases.

Application:

Isopropyl alcohol is used as follows:

• for acetone production (by dehydration or partial oxidation), hydrogen peroxide, methylisobutylketone, isopropylacetate, isopropylamine and a number of other organic products;
• as a solvent in paint, perfumery and cosmetic, pharmaceutical, chemical industries;
• as an extracting agent of oils, natural resins and natural latexes;
• as icing agent and antifreeze;
• as a solvent of cellulose esters;
• as a degreasing and washing agent;
• as a heat carrier in refrigeration machines;
• as an alkylating agent;
• as an intermediate during synthesis of a number of pharmaceutical products.

Isopropyl alcohol often substitutes the reference in many spheres of its application. Thus, isopropanol enters into the composition of cosmetics, household chemicals, disinfectants, repellents, etc.