Propan 2 ol

Propan 2 ol is commonly known as Isopropyl Alcohol or IPA. It is colourless, flammable and has a distinctive odour. Its chemical formula is C3H8O.

It is produced by combining Propene and Water by two different methods, the first of which is known as 'indirect hydration' which typically uses low quality Propene and which method is widely used in the United States of America.

The second means of producing Propan 2 ol is via the 'direct hydration' method, which requires the use of high purity Propene and which method is favoured in Europe.

IPA is widely used as it evaporates quickly and is relatively non-toxic. As a solvent, it is used to clean a wide range of items and as a means of removing contaminants, such as oil. Isopropyl Alcohol is also used to clean magnetic tape and disk heads, to clean LCD screens and to remove fingermarks and dirt from mobile phones.

In the automotive industry, IPA is used to remove brake fluid traces from hydraulic braking systems so that the brake fluid does not contaminate the brake pads, which could affect their effectiveness. In the leisure industry, Isopropyl Alcohol is used to clean paintballs, so that they can be safely re-used.

Impregnated pads of 60-70% Propan 2 ol are often used in a variety of industries for cleaning and disinfecting purposes. Propan 2 ol is also used as an anti-freezing agent in windscreen de-icer aerosol cans.

Propan 2 ol has a number of medical uses. For instance, it is used in DNA extraction as DNA is insoluble in Propan 2 ol. IPA is also used to preserve biological specimens, usually in concentrations of 90-99%. It is often preferred to Formaldehyde as IPA is relatively non-toxic.

The main hazard of working with Propan 2 ol is its flammability. IPA vapour is denser than air and as a result, it is highly flammable with a very wide combustible range. Propan 2 ol should be used and stored away from heat, flame, sources of ignition and combustible materials. Vapours of Propan 2 ol may travel across the ground to reach remote ignition sources causing potential flashback fires.

Those persons working with or handling Propan 2 ol should thoroughly familiarise themselves with its potential hazards before using the material. Always read the Material safety Data Sheet before commencing work with IPA. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including approved eye protection, safety footwear, protective clothing and protective gloves.

IPA can cause severe lung damage and may be fatal if swallowed. Accidental splashes of Propan 2 ol may cause eye irritation. Propan 2 ol is harmful if swallowed and inhalation of high vapour concentrations may cause depression of the central nervous system, resulting in nausea, headache, dizziness, light-headedness and loss of co-ordination. Prolonged inhalation of vapours may result in unconsciousness and even death.

Keep all chemical products away from children and animals.