Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) - Taiwan

Brief Overview

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), sometimes referred to as 2-propanol and dimethylcarbinol, is a colorless, transparent liquid with an odor similar to rubbing alcohol. It is an organic molecule that is one of the isomers of n-propanol and has the chemical formula (CH₃)₂CH(OH). Water, alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform, and the majority of organic solvents may all dissolve it. When combined with air, IPA vapor can produce an explosive combination. Its fumes have double the toxicity of ethanol. 

Manufacturing Process

Two methods can be used to produce isopropyl alcohol:

• Indirect Hydration Reaction: Isopropyl hydrogen sulfate is initially created by reacting propane with sulfuric acid; hydrolysis of this compound yields isopropanol.

CH₃CH=CH₂ + H₂SO₄ → (CH₃)₂CHOSO₃H (CH₃)₂CHOSO₃H + H₂O → (CH₃)₂CHOH + H₂SO₄  

• Direct Hydration: Propylene is immediately hydrated under high pressure, heat, and catalyst conditions to provide 96% selectivity isopropanol.

CH₃CH=CH₂ + H₂O → (CH₃)₂CHOH  

The direct hydration approach overcomes the problems of sulfuric acid corrosion and diluted acid concentration as compared to the indirect method. This technique is therefore widely used in industrial manufacturing.

Electronic Industry

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is utilized in the creation of PCB holes for conductivity and as a cleaning agent. It may also be used for various electronic equipment, such as magnetic tape, floppy disk drives, cleaning disc cartridges, and the laser tip of CD or DVD players.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry

Pharmaceutical redness agents, hand and body lotions, scouring liquids, and antiseptics can all be made with isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol. In addition, isopropyl ester, methyl isobutyl ketone, di-isopropylamine, di-isopropyl ether, isopropyl acetate, thymol, and other diverse esters are all synthesized using isopropanol.

Solvent

Isopropanol can be used as an equipment cleanser and as a solvent for gravure, offset, and flexographic printing. It is frequently given to the ink as well. In the lab, it is also a crucial solvent for dilution and extraction. Furthermore, isopropanol finds application as a fuel pipeline deicer and additive for gasoline. Isopropanol is utilized as an inexpensive solvent and kind of extraction agent in several industrial and consumer products, and it may often replace the usage of ethanol.

Other Applications

The following elements can also be measured with isopropyl alcohol (IPA): barium, calcium, magnesium, nickel, potassium, sodium, and strontium. It can also be utilized as chromatographic analysis reference material. Additionally, it is utilized in paints, thinners, paint, surface sterilization, disinfection, hospitals, and food processing facilities. Vehicle fuels can also include inferior isopropanol.