Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) also called as Isopropanol is a volatile, colorless, flammable chemical compound in a form of liquid with a strong odor, having disinfectant properties, that can be freely mixed with water or ethanol. IPA vapors are heavier than air and mildly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat.

Isopropyl Alcohol comes in various grades (purities), percent strengths (99%, 88%, 80%, 70%). The most common percent strength of Isopropyl Alcohol is 99% (anhydrous), and 70%, diluted with 30% de-ionized water.

IPA is primarily produced by combining water and propene in a hydration reaction or by hydrogenating acetone. There are two routes for the hydration process and both processes require that the Isopropyl Alcohol be separated from water and other by-products by distillation.

Indirect hydration

Indirect hydration reacts propene with sulfuric acid to form a mixture of sulfate esters. This process can use low-quality propene.

Direct hydration

Direct hydration reacts propene and water, either in gas or liquid phase, at high pressures in the presence of solid or supported acidic catalysts. This type of process usually requires higher-purity propylene (> 90%).

Low Water Content - IPA is highly hydrophilic product. Due to its low boiling point, Isopropyl Alcohol is miscible in water, Ethanol, Ether, and Chloroform. IPA dissolves Ethyl Cellulose, Polyvinyl Butyral, many Oils, Alkaloids, Gums and natural resins. Although Isopropyl Alcohol can dissolve most organic solvents and non-polar compounds, Isopropyl Alcohol has no solubility in solutions containing salt.

Application:

Isopropyl Alcohol is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of industrial and household chemicals such as acetone and its derivatives and as a solvent. IPA is a common ingredient in chemicals such as antiseptics, disinfectants, and detergents. HP-IPA is used for cleaning semiconductor wafer and LCDs.

IPA is also used in making cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, lacquer formulations, paint and dye solutions, antifreezes, soaps, window cleaners.

Storage:

Isopropyl Alcohol should be kept away from heat, open flame or sparks. Isopropyl Alcohol should be stored in closed and well-ventilated area and explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting system, with no contact with strong oxidizing agents.

Distillation of Isopropyl Alcohol over magnesium has been reported to form peroxides, which may explode upon concentration. Isopropyl alcohol is a skin irritant. Wearing protective gloves is recommended.