Isopropyl Alcohol is commonly known as Isopropanol or IPA. This is a versatile & colorless liquid with widespread industrial, pharmaceutical as well as household applications. It is recognized for its rapid evaporation rate & also excellent solvent properties. This compound is a staple in cleansing, disinfecting, extraction as well as degreasing processes. It is used in medical-grade sanitizers, electronic component cleaning as well as reaction medium in chemical processes, this compound delivers uniform performance. Its low toxicity as well as miscibility with water as well as organic solvents make it an ideal choice for both industrial processes & also domestic cleaning applications.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) has the chemical formula of C₃H₈O. This compound's IUPAC name is 2 propanol. It is a secondary alcohol having a hydroxyl group ( OH). This is attached to the central carbon of a three-carbon chain. This structural configuration differentiates it from primary alcohols like ethanol. This impacts its physical as well as chemical behavior. IPA typically appears as a clear, colorless & volatile liquid with a mild solvent-like odor. Its boiling point is approx 82.6 °C (180.7 °F). It also has a flash point of around 12 °C (53.6 °F). This indicates flammability under standard conditions.
IPA has a great solubility in water (miscible in all proportions) as well as compatibility with a broad spectrum of organic solvents. This makes it a valued choice across diverse industries—especially in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, electronics & also laboratories. In disinfectant applications, it disrupts microbial cell membranes as well as denatures proteins. This make IPA effective against bacteria, viruses as well as fungi at ≥70 % concentration. In chemical processes, IPA serves as a reaction medium & also extraction solvent. Due to its relatively low toxicity compared to other solvents like acetone or methanol, IPA is selected for personal care formulations. This includes hand rubs & also topical antiseptics.
Typically available in concentrations ranging from 70 % to 99.9 %. IPA can be formulated to optimize evaporation rate, disinfectant efficacy as well as compatibility with sensitive surfaces. Its dual solvent–antiseptic nature underpins its pivotal role in cleaning medical instruments, prepping surfaces for coating or painting as well as maintaining sterility in manufacturing environments.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 67-63-0 |
| Chemical Name | Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), 2-Propanol |
| Molecular Formula | C3H8O |
| Molecular Formula / Weight | C₃H₈O / 60.10 g·mol⁻¹ |
| Grade Variants | Industrial, Reagent, USP, Electronic, Technical |
| Molecular Weight | 60.10 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild, characteristic |
| Boiling Point | ~82.6 °C (180.7 °F) |
| Flash Point | ~12 °C (53.6 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Fully miscible |
| pH (1 % aqueous) | ~7 |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | ~1.377 |
| Typical Purity Ranges | 70 %, 90 %, 99.5 – 99.9 % | Shelf Life (sealed) | ≥ 24 months under proper storage | Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area, < 25 °C |
Purity & Concentrations:
70 %, 90 %, 99.5 – 99.9 % (USP/ACS).
Electronic-grade IPA: ≥ 99.9 % with ultra-low water (<100 ppm), low non-volatile residues (< 5 ppm), and a low UV absorbance.
Residue Content:
Non-volatile residue ≤ 5 ppm for electronics; ≤ 30 ppm for reagent grade.
Water Content:
Electronic grade ≤ 0.01 %; reagent grade ≤ 0.05 %.
Acidity/Bacteria:
pH in 1 % aqueous solution: 6.0–8.0.
Conforms to USP/Ph. Eur. microbial purity standards.
Heavy Metals:
Lead, cadmium, mercury ≤ 1 ppm.
Chemically, IPA is a secondary alcohol with three carbon atoms arranged linearly. The hydroxyl (–OH) group is attached to the central carbon:
This –OH on the middle carbon (C-2) gives IPA properties like moderate polarity, hydrogen bonding capability, and solvent behavior. Its branched structure limits its reactivity compared to primary alcohols yet enhances its volatility and miscibility.
Storage Conditions:
Store in tightly sealed, properly labeled containers in a cool (<25 °C), dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources, sparks, open flames, or oxidizing agents.
Fire Safety:
IPA is highly flammable. Ensure grounding/bonding during transfer to prevent static buildup. Use non-sparking tools; keep fire extinguishers (Class B) on site.
Ventilation:
Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation or fume hoods when handling large volumes or conducting processes to prevent vapor accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Wear safety goggles or face shields for eye protection.
Use chemical-resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile).
If airborne concentration > 400 ppm, use an organic vapor respirator.
Spill & Disposal:
Absorb spills with inert materials (e.g., sand, vermiculite), collected into proper containers for disposal per local regulations. Do not flush into waterways.
Shelf Life & Stability:
Under prevented moisture ingress and sealed storage, IPA remains stable for ≥24 months. Avoid exposure to open air to prevent water absorption and concentration drop.
Shakti Chemicals stands out in the market as premier suppliers, exporters traders, dealers, importers, and distributors of high-grade isopropyl alcohol.
Diversified Grade Offerings: Industrial, reagent, USP, and electronic grades—tailored to customer-specific purity needs.
Consistent Quality Management: ISO-certified testing protocols for water content, residuals, and metal analysis.
Reliable Logistics: Bulk packaging (25 kg to 1,000 L) with secure, UN-compliant containers for safe handling.
Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to global standards (ASTM D7777, USP, ICH, REACH).
Service Excellence: Technical support helps optimize IPA use in your processes—be it pharma, electronics, cosmetics, or cleaning.
Robust Supply Chain: Global sourcing strategies and strong inventory enable timely deliveries, even amid supply disruptions.
Competitive Pricing: Multiple sourcing channels and bulk procurement translate into cost-efficient pricing.
Whether you’re a manufacturer, laboratory, or distributor, Shakti Chemicals delivers uncompromising product quality and technical reliability—underpinning your production-line success.
IPA is available in the following packaging formats to suit various operational scales:
5 L & 10 L HDPE Jerricans – ideal for laboratory or small-scale use.
25 kg & 50 kg Drums – standard for industrial operations.
200 kg Steel Drums – for high-volume manufacturing plants.
1,000 L Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) – optimal for bulk users.
Special Sizes – custom packaging by request.
Each package features clear labeling including grade, concentration, batch number, manufacture date, shelf life, hazard warnings, and handling instructions.
Disinfectant & Sanitizer:
At 70 – 75 %, IPA denatures proteins and disrupts cell membranes to kill bacteria, viruses (e.g., influenza, rotavirus), and fungi. It's widely used in hand rubs, rubbing alcohol, and surface disinfectants.
Electronics Cleaning:
High-purity IPA (≥99.9 %) removes flux residues, oils, and particulates from PCBs, semiconductors, and optical lenses without leaving residues.
Laboratory & Chemical Processes:
Used as solvent in HPLC, TLC, extractions, and sample washes. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as solvent or intermediate.
Household Cleaning
Effective for windows, mirrors, stainless steel & also chrome surfaces. Evaporates without streaking.
Cosmetics & Personal Care:
Included in nail polish removers, astringents, aftershaves as well as toners for its quick-drying and antiseptic properties.
Automotive & Industrial Cleaning:
Removes oils, greases, adhesives, and residues from metal, glass, and plastic components.
Paint Thinner & Coating Prep:
Prepares surfaces by removing contaminants prior to coating & painting.
De-icing & Frost Prevention:
Applied to automotive locks and windshields to prevent icing in cold climates.
Pharmaceutical Uses:
Used in topical antiseptics, medical wipes, tablet coatings, and as solvent during purification.
API Synthesis & Formulation:
Serves as a reaction medium or purification solvent in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production.
What is the difference between 70 % and 99 % IPA?
– 70 % IPA contains water, which optimizes protein denaturation in microbes, making it superior for disinfection. 99 % IPA evaporates faster and is better suited for cleaning electronics, where water residue is undesirable.
Is IPA safe to use on skin?
– IPA is approved as a topical antiseptic, but frequent use may dry skin. Use emollient-based moisturizers to mitigate dryness.
Can IPA be stored outside refrigeration?
– Yes, room-temperature storage (below 25 °C) in a sealed container is sufficient. Refrigeration is unnecessary but should be sheltered from direct heat.
Is IPA corrosive to metals or plastics?
– IPA is non-corrosive to most metals as well as many plastics (like polycarbonate and ABS). However, prolonged contact may affect certain materials, so compatibility testing is recommended.
Can I use IPA for fuel system cleaning?
– While IPA dissolves greases and oils, its water content may harm sensitive fuel components. Use fuel-specific solvents instead.
How long does IPA remain effective after opening?
– If stored properly in sealed containers, IPA retains ≈98 % purity for up to 24 months. Ensure caps are tightly closed post-use.
What are the shipping regulations for IPA?
– Classified as a Class 3 Flammable Liquid under IATA, IMDG, ADR, and DOT. Ship in UN-approved vessels with fire-hazard labeling.
Is IPA biodegradable?
– IPA biodegrades fast, predominantly through yeast & also bacterial pathways. It’s considered environmentally favorable against halogenated solvents.
Can IPA be recycled after industrial use?
– It can be recovered via distillation. Proper recycling reduces environmental impact and cost.
How is IPA purified during production?
– Purified by distillation, using azeotropic separation to reach target purity. For electronic grade, further drying (e.g., molecular sieves) removes trace moisture.
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) remains a cornerstone solvent and disinfectant across numerous sectors—from healthcare to electronics, laboratories to industrial cleaning. Its balanced properties—efficient evaporation, excellent solvency, and antimicrobial action—combined with low toxicity and environmental compatibility, make it a “must-have” chemical in any professional or consumer toolkit. By partnering with reputable suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors like Shakti Chemicals in Mumbai, India, businesses can secure consistent quality, reliable delivery, and expert support. From industrial drums to small-scale jerrycans, Shakti Chemicals ensures tailored solutions to meet your IPA needs effectively and compliantly in Maharashtra.
Looking for high-quality Iso Propyl Alcohol (IPA)? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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