IPA (Iso Propyl Alcohol) - HS Code: 29051220
IPA (Iso Propyl Alcohol) is a colourless alcohol solvent widely used in pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics, cleaning products, and industrial applications. It offers excellent cleaning and disinfecting properties. Its rapid evaporation, high solvency, and reliable chemical stability make it suitable for various commercial and manufacturing applications.
- Isopropyl alcohol (IUPAC name propan-2-ol; commonly called isopropanol) is a compound with the chemical formula C3H8O. It is a colorless, flammablechemical compound with a strong odor.
- As an isopropyl group linked to a hydroxyl group, it is the simplest example of a secondary alcohol, where the alcoholcarbon atom is attached to two other carbon atoms.
- It is a structural isomer of 1-propanol and ethyl methyl ether.
- It is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of industrial and household chemicals, and is a common ingredient in chemicals such as antiseptics, disinfectants and detergents
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL USES AND APPLICATION
Solvent
Isopropyl alcohol dissolves a wide range of non-polar compounds. It also evaporates quickly, leaves nearly zero oil traces, compared to ethanol, and is relatively non-toxic, compared to alternative solvents. Thus, it is used widely as a solvent and as a cleaning fluid, especially for dissolving oils.
Medical
Isopropyl alcohol is used as a water-drying aid for the prevention of otitis externa, better known as swimmer’s ear.
Early uses as an anesthetic
Although isopropyl alcohol can be used for anesthesia, its many negative attributes or drawbacks prohibit this use. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used similarly to ether as a solvent or as an anesthetic by inhaling the fumes or orally. Early uses included using the solvent as general anesthetic for small mammals and rodents by scientists and some veterinarians. However, it was soon discontinued, as many complications arose, including respiratory irritation, internal bleeding, and visual and hearing problems. In rare cases, respiratory failure leading to death in animals was observed.
Laboratory
As a biological specimen preservative, isopropyl alcohol provides a comparatively non-toxic alternative to formaldehyde and other synthetic preservatives. Isopropyl alcohol solutions of 70–99% are used to preserve specimens.