Isopropyl Alcohol: Uses, Properties, Benefits, and Safety Guide
Isopropyl alcohol is a widely used chemical solvent found in households, laboratories, healthcare environments, workshops, and various industries. Also commonly called IPA or isopropanol , it is a clear, colorless liquid that evaporates quickly and is known for its cleaning and degreasing properties. Because of its ability to dissolve oils and many other substances, isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for cleaning surfaces, electronics, tools, equipment, and certain industrial components. It is also used in a variety of commercial and personal-care products. However, isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and should be handled and stored responsibly. What Is Isopropyl Alcohol? Isopropyl alcohol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₃H₈O . It is a type of alcohol and is also known as 2-propanol or isopropanol . It is available in different concentrations, with common commercial concentrations including 70%, 90%, and 99%. The appropriate concentration depends on the intended ...