Isopropyl alcohol

• Pub Chem CID:     3776
• Chemical Safety:     Flammable , Irritant
• Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary (LCSS) Datasheet
• Molecular Formula:      or CH3CHOHCH3 or (CH3)2CHOH

Synonyms:    

• 2-Propanol
• isopropanol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Propan-2-ol
• 67-63-0

Molecular Weight:     60.1 g/mol

Isopropyl Alcohol is an isomer of propyl alcohol with antibacterial properties. Although the exact mechanism of isopropanol's disinfecting action is not known, it might kill cells by denaturing cell proteins and DNA, interfering with cellular metabolism, and dissolving cell lipo-protein membranes. Isopropanol is used in soaps and lotions as an antiseptic.

Isopropanol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or IPA, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as secondary alcohols. Secondary alcohols are compounds containing a secondary alcohol functional group, with the general structure HOC(R)(R') (R, R'=alkyl, aryl). Isopropanol exists as a solid, soluble (in water), and an extremely weak acidic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). Isopropanol has been found in human epidermis, skin and pancreas tissues, and has also been detected in most biofluids, including saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, and feces. Isopropanol exists in all eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to humans. Isopropanol is also a parent compound for other transformation products, including but not limited to, trimethyl(1-methylethoxy)silane, 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol, and isopropyl ester. Isopropanol is a potentially toxic compound.

Volatile, colorless liquid with a sharp musty odor like rubbing alcohol. Flash point of 53°F. Vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. Density approximately 6.5 lb / gal. Used in making cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, antifreezes, soaps, window cleaners. Sold in 70% aqueous solution as rubbing alcohol.