Areas of Use :
Isopropyl alcohol, a colorless, flammable liquid is known by a variety of other names. For example, in the laboratory it may be referred to as isopropanol, isopro, iso, isopropyl or simply by the abbreviation IPA. Also sometimes called 2-propanol, the reference is probably to an isomer of an inorganic compound known as propanol. Of course, isopropyl alcohol is most commonly known as simple spirit.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol; is a clear, ethanol and acetone-like odor; a flammable alcohol. It forms solutions with water, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and benzene in all proportions, can undergo all the typical reactions of secondary alcohols, and reacts strongly with strong oxidizing agents. Isopropyl alcohol, used as a low-cost solvent in many applications, is similar to ethyl alcohol in terms of solvent properties and evaporation rate. In the event of combustion, it decomposes and forms carbon monoxide, which is toxic.
Its high latent solvent power for cellulose nitrate, cellulose acetate butyrate and cellulose acetate propiate, its moderate evaporation rate and its ability to form complete solutions with many other solvents make it useful in lacquers, inks and thinners. The use of isopropyl alcohol in the production of monoisoprolamine for herbicides is the fastest growing segment in terms of use, while its use as a solvent in coatings and inks remains the same or increases slightly.