Isopropyl alcohol use and precautions

Isopropyl alcohol is an effective solvent of organic origin. The widespread use of isopropyl alcohol in industry and everyday life is associated with its ability to dissolve oils, resins, and other compounds and its relative non-toxicity compared to other compounds of similar action.

Composition and production methods

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol, IPA, dimethicarbinol, 2-propanol) is a liquid, colorless chemical compound with a characteristic odor of a mixture of alcohol and acetone. At low temperatures it acquires a viscous consistency. Denoted by the molecular formula C3H8O. According to its chemical characteristics, it is a secondary alcohol of the aliphatic series.

The physical and chemical properties of the substance determined the scope of its use and precautions:

• soluble in ether, chloroform, alcohol-containing products;
• when interacting with oxidizing metals, it easily turns into acetone;
• upon combustion, it breaks down into carbon dioxide and water;
• freezing point of 100% alcohol -90 °C;
• combines well with water - the more alcohol in the solution, the lower the freezing point.

The substance was first obtained in 1920 by refining petroleum products.Now industrial production is carried out in several ways, most often using the hydration process - combining water and propylene. The degree of purity of the final substance depends on the production method and type of raw materials.

Technical brands are used for technical purposes, pure (or absolute) with a content of the main component of 99% - for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Areas of application

Isopropyl alcohol is a safer, more accessible and cheaper analogue of ethyl and methyl alcohol; it is produced on an industrial scale in quantities of several million tons per year and is widely used in many areas of industry, medicine and everyday life. The demand for the product is due to its unique properties and low cost

Industry

Isopropanol removes dirt well and dissolves most types of oils, natural and synthetic resins, and ethylcellulose. It quickly evaporates from the surface being treated without causing harm, and is characterized by lower toxicity compared to other solvents. Due to these characteristics, the connection is widely used in various manufacturing industries:

• furniture and paint and varnish – for dissolving and removing paints, glue, oils;
• instrument making, electronics production - for degreasing and drying parts, connections, relay contacts, optical fibers, lenses;
• oil refining - as a urea solvent, the resulting mixture is then used for dewaxing diesel fuel;
• fuel - to stabilize aviation gasoline, as an additive to engine oil to lower the pour point and improve anti-corrosion properties;
• wood chemical – for extracting resins from wood;
• printing - as a moisturizer during the printing process, helping to increase the brightness of colors;
• chemical - as an intermediate for the production of other solvents and raw materials for the industrial production of acetone;
• plastic production – as a cleaning agent;
• auto care - for the production of car anti-freeze products and antifreeze for radiators;
• household chemicals – wet wipes for cleaning equipment, hygiene products, glass cleaners.

To get rid of the characteristic pungent odor, when preparing the solution yourself, you can use any essential oil as a fragrance.

Medicine

The main use of isopropyl alcohol for medical purposes is as a universal antiseptic. For example, the pharmaceutical drug “Sterilium” and similar ones consist of 50-70% isopropanol, which determines the disinfecting properties of the medicine. The remaining components are glycerin, fragrances and excipients.

Health care workers use an aqueous solution of isopropyl alcohol to disinfect their hands before examining patients and performing surgeries. A pure substance without impurities is used for impregnation of cotton swabs, bandages, and other dressings, disinfection of injection sites and treatment of medical instruments.

In laboratory work and research, isopropanol is used as a biomaterial preservative and a preferred substitute for synthetic formaldehyde.

Cosmetology

The ability to dissolve in water and disinfectant qualities, along with low toxicity, allow the use of isopropanol in cosmetics:

• nail polish;
• hair styling products;
• aftershave creams;
• cleansing lotions and masks.

Cosmetics and care products containing isopropyl alcohol are not suitable for dry and sensitive skin - when choosing, you need to pay attention to the presence of this component in the composition. It can be designated in one of the following ways: ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, 2-HYDROXYPROPANE, SEC-PROPYL ALCOHOL.

Household needs

In everyday life, isopropyl alcohol is used for the same purposes as in industry and medicine - as a broad-spectrum solvent, cleanser or disinfectant.

For convenient use at home, it is recommended to prepare a universal solution. In a bottle with a spray attachment, mix absolute isopropanol and distilled water in 1:1 proportions.

The resulting composition is used for the following purposes:

• cleaning CDs and DVDs, matrices of SLR cameras, electronic boards and microcircuits;
• cleaning computer monitors, keyboards and mice, phones and tablets, TVs and other household appliances from dirt and dust;
• removing traces of glue, ink, paints from fabrics, glass and wood;
• disinfection of makeup brushes made of synthetic fibers and other cosmetic instruments;
• eliminate odor from shoes - lightly spray the inside with an alcohol solution and leave overnight;
• treating the bite site of mosquitoes and other insects - this helps eliminate itching and promote rapid healing;
• extermination of bedbugs, fruit flies, fruit flies and other insect pests - it is enough to treat their habitats several times with a solution;
• treating home and garden plants against aphids and other pests - the alcohol content in the solution should be no more than 10%, otherwise the plants may die;
• hand disinfection;
• treatment of pediculosis, herpes;
• As an alternative to antiperspirant, alcohol destroys germs that cause sweat odor.

Isopropyl alcohol should not be used to clean vinyl surfaces - the alkaline reaction may damage the plasticizer and cause the vinyl to harden. Also, this product is not suitable for cleaning rubber. Must be used with caution on some plastics.

Cars

Car enthusiasts actively use isopropanol for the following manipulations:

• cleaning parts during repair and replacement;
• removing stains from gasoline, grease and other petroleum products;
• treating glass to prevent freezing (mix isopropanol and water in equal quantities, add a capful of household detergent);
• improving the properties of gasoline (for 40 liters of gasoline - 1 liter of alcohol);
• to remove water from a car's fuel tank.

To avoid the appearance of white deposits and streaks on the glass, contamination of the nozzles and pump, to prepare solutions based on isopropyl alcohol at home, use only well-purified or distilled water.

Where is it sold?

The easiest way is to buy the product in bulk from the manufacturer or direct representative. The price depends on the degree of purity and type of packaging and is 80-200 rubles per 1 kg.

The most common forms of containers:

• bottles with a capacity of 0.5 or 1 l;
• canisters with a volume of 3–30 l;
• barrels of 200 l.

At retail, the product can be purchased in small quantities for household purposes in specialized chemical stores.

It is theoretically possible to find isopropanol in pharmacies, but now this product is very rare.In addition, alcohol is available by prescription to prevent misuse by alcohol dependent individuals.

When purchasing, it is better to choose absolute alcohol, which can be used for an unlimited number of everyday household needs. Even for technical purposes, preparing homemade detergents and antifreeze agents, a pure product without foreign impurities is preferable.

Hazard level and precautions

Isopropyl alcohol is flammable, so any interaction with it must be carried out in compliance with safety regulations. The product should be stored and handled away from open flames and sources of high temperatures. Alcohol mixes easily with air, and at high concentrations it forms an explosive composition - work with it should be carried out in well-ventilated areas.

The compound is classified as a moderately hazardous substance in terms of its toxic effect on the human body and should be stored out of the reach of children. It is less toxic than methanol and ethylene glycol. Cases of intoxication are very rare - usually due to intentional ingestion.

Accidental poisoning is possible if vapors are inhaled while handling large volumes in an unventilated area.

Signs of intoxication:

• nausea,
• vomit,
• dizziness,
• loss of consciousness,
• severe muscle pain.

The substance is not absorbed into the body through the skin, but with constant contact with open areas of the body it can cause chemical burns. As a rule, a single contact with the skin does not cause negative consequences.It is unacceptable for the compound to come into contact with mucous membranes and eyes - even vapors of the substance are dangerous; when working with large amounts of isopropanol, it is necessary to use protective equipment.

Isopropyl alcohol, provided it is used correctly, is a useful and versatile substance. Ready-made preparations contain a safe amount of isopropanol; when preparing solutions yourself, you must be careful and use safety glasses and gloves to prevent accidents and poisoning.