2-Propanol

2-Propanol

What Is 2-Propanol?

2-propanol is a flammable secondary alcohol with an isopropyl group linked to a hydroxyl group. Structurally, it is an isomer of 1-propanol and ethyl methyl ether.

Standard Oil first produced 2-propanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, in 1920 by hydrating propene. Today, it is used to make industrial and household chemicals, including antiseptics, disinfectants, and detergents.

2-propanol and its metabolite, acetone, depress the central nervous system. Ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can cause poisoning. Poisoning symptoms include flushing, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anesthesia, hypothermia, low blood pressure, shock, respiratory depression, and coma.

Vapor from 2-propanol is denser than air and flammable. It is important to keep it away from heat and open flames. It is also a skin irritant, so protective gloves are recommended for handling.

Synonyms: Rubbing alcohol, propan-2-ol (IUPAC name), isopropyl alcohol, IPA, propyl alcohol, sec-propyl alcohol, s-propanol, iPrOH, i-PrOH, IpOH, dimethyl carbinol, and isopropanol. (IUPAC considers isopropanol incorrect because the hydrocarbon isopropane does not exist.)

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    Physical and Chemical Properties

    PropertyValue    

    Property

    Molecular Weight
    Value
    60.10 g/mol
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Density
    Value
    0.785 g/mL at 25°C
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Boiling Point
    Value
    82ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Melting Point
    Value
    -89.5ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Flash Point
    Value
    11.7ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Viscosity
    Value
    2.038 cP at 25ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Dielectric Constant
    Value
    20.18 at 20ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Dipole Moment
    Value
    1.560
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    UV Cutoff
    Value
    210 nm
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Refractive Index
    Value
    1.377 at 20ºC
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Vapor Pressure
    Value
    33 mm Hg at 20°C
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Vapor Density
    Value
    2.1 (vs. air)
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Uses

    Solvent: Isopropyl alcohol dissolves many non-polar compounds. It evaporates quickly, leaves little to no trace compared to ethanol, and is relatively non-toxic. It is used as a cleaning fluid for oils, eyeglasses, electrical contacts, DVD and other optical disc lenses, and for removing thermal pastes.

    Laboratory: Isopropyl alcohol (70% solution) is relatively non-toxic compared to formaldehyde and other preservatives. It is sometimes used to precipitate DNA for extractions.

    Medical and Personal Care: Isopropyl alcohol (70% solution) is used for rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting pads. The solvent can also be used to help remove water to prevent swimmer's ear.

    Automotive: Isopropyl alcohol helps solubilize water in gas-drying fuel additives so that it doesn’t separate and freeze. It can also remove brake fluid, serve as a de-icer, and be used as homemade windshield washer fluid.

    Designations and Grades

    PropertyValue  

    Property

    CAS Number
    Value
    67-63-0
     
     
     
     

    Property

    MDL Number
    Value
    MFCD00011674
     
     
     
     

    Property

    RIDAD /UN Number
    Value
    UN 1219 3/PG 2
     
     
     
     

    Property

    Beilstein Registry
    Value
    635639
     
     
     
     

    Property

    EG/EC Number
    Value
    2006617
     
     
     
     

    Grades

    ACS, ACS Reagent, Certified ACS

    Anhydrous/Dry/Extra Dry

    Biochemical

    Electronic/Semiconductor

    FCC/NF/BP/EP/JP/USP

    GC

    Histological

    HPLC Gradient

     

    HPLC/UHPLC/UHPLC-UV

    Laboratory/Technical

    LC-MS, Ultra LC-MS

    Molecular Biology

    Pesticide Residue

    Spectrophotometry

    Trace Metals

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