Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA / 2-Propanol) – Detailed Data Sheet

1. Basic Identification

• Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O / (CH₃)₂CHOH
• Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
• CAS No.: 67-63-0
• EINECS No.: 200-661-7
• Synonyms: 2-Propanol, Dimethyl Carbinol, IPA
• UN Dangerous Goods Number: UN 1219 (Flammable Liquid)

2. Physicochemical Properties

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid
• Odor: Similar to a mixture of ethanol and acetone
• Melting Point: -89.5 ℃
• Boiling Point: 82.5 ℃ (at atmospheric pressure)
• Density: 0.786 g/mL (25 ℃)
• Flash Point: 11.7 ℃ (closed cup)
• Autoignition Temperature: 399 ℃
• Explosion Limits: 2.0% ~ 12.7% (by volume)
• Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, diethyl ether, chloroform, benzene, etc., in all proportions
• Volatility: Strong (highly volatile)
• Viscosity: 2.43 mPa·s (20 ℃)
• Surface Tension: 21.7 mN/m (20 ℃)

Chemical Properties

• As a secondary alcohol, it can be oxidized to acetone.
• Can be dehydrated to propylene (acid-catalyzed).
• Undergoes esterification, halogenation, dehydrogenation, and condensation.
• Forms an azeotrope with water (boiling point 80.37 ℃, containing approx. 12.6% water).
• Virtually non-corrosive to metals (aluminum, stainless steel).

3. Main Production Methods

1. Direct Hydration of Propylene (Mainstream Process)
   
   
   Propylene + Water → Isopropyl Alcohol (solid acid / tungsten catalyst, medium temperature and pressure)
2. Acetone Hydrogenation
   
   
   Acetone + H₂ → Isopropyl Alcohol (Cu / Ni catalyst)
3. Indirect Hydration of Propylene (Sulfuric acid process, traditional technology)
4. Hydrogenation of Isopropyl Acetate (acetic acid as byproduct)

4. Main Applications (Industrial + Electronic + Pharmaceutical)

4.1 Electronic Industry (Core Application)

• Semiconductor / wafer cleaning, photoresist stripping, LCD / PCB cleaning
• Dehydration, degreasing, and flux removal for electronic components
• Cleaning of precision instruments, lenses, and optical glass

4.2 Solvent (Coatings / Inks / Adhesives / Extraction)

• Solvent for coatings, inks, resins, and adhesives
• Extraction of oils, waxes, alkaloids, and natural products
• Laboratory extraction and chromatographic solvent (HPLC / GC)

4.3 Pharmaceutical and Disinfection

• 70%~75% Isopropyl Alcohol: skin disinfection, instrument sterilization, hand sanitization
• Pharmaceutical solvent, preservative, and raw material for fungicides

4.4 Raw Material for Organic Synthesis

• Production of acetone, hydrogen peroxide, isopropylamine, isopropyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
• Esters, pharmaceutical intermediates, fragrances, gasoline additives

4.5 Daily Chemicals and Others

• Cosmetics, perfumes, hand sanitizers, glass cleaners, antifreeze components

5. Toxicity and Safety (Important)

5.1 Toxicity Class

• LD₅₀ (Oral, Rat): approx. 5000 mg/kg (slightly toxic)
• Dermal Toxicity: LD₅₀ (Dermal, Rabbit) ≈ 12800 mg/kg
• IARC Classification: Group 3 (not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans)

5.2 Hazards

• Highly Flammable: Vapor and liquid are flammable; keep away from ignition sources, static electricity, and high temperatures.
• Inhalation: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, narcotic effects
• Skin: defatting, dryness, chapping, dermatitis
• Eyes: irritation, redness, pain
• Ingestion: abdominal pain, vomiting, coma, liver and kidney damage

5.3 GHS Hazard Statements

• Signal Word: Danger
• H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor.
• H302: Harmful if swallowed.
• H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
• H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

6. Storage and Handling

• Storage: Cool, ventilated, dark, sealed; keep away from fire, oxidizers, and acids.
• Containers: Galvanized iron drums, stainless steel, HDPE.
• Handling: Ventilation, anti-static, grounding, explosion-proof electrical equipment; no open flames.
• Protection: Goggles, nitrile gloves, respirator / gas mask.

7. Common Specifications (Industrial Grade / Electronic Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade)

• Industrial Grade: 99%, 95%
• Electronic Grade (ULPA / EL): 99.9%, 99.99% (low metal / low particle)
• Pharmaceutical Grade: 99.5%+ (sterile / low impurity)
• Disinfection Grade: 70%~75% aqueous solution

8. Comparison with Ethanol and Methanol (Table)

9. Application Highlights (Electronic / Cleaning / Disinfection)

• Electronic Cleaning: IPA (99.9%) is commonly used for dehydration, flux removal, fingerprint removal, and cleanroom wiping.
• Disinfection: 75% IPA ≈ 75% ethanol with similar disinfection effect; faster evaporation and less residue.
• Azeotropic Dehydration: IPA is often used to dry water-containing materials / solvents (strong water-carrying capacity).