isopropyl

Isopropyl, formally known as propan-2-yl, is a substituent group in organic chemistry with the formula -CH(CH3)2. It is a secondary alkyl group attached to a molecule at the central carbon. In IUPAC nomenclature the substituent is called propan-2-yl; the term “isopropyl” is widely used in common names for compounds containing this group. The isopropyl group is distinct from isopropyl alcohol, which is the separate compound 2-propanol (C3H8O).

The isopropyl group is common in a wide range of organic molecules, where it can influence properties such as steric bulk, volatility, and hydrophobicity. It appears in many derivatives, including isopropyl ethers and isopropyl esters, and serves as a versatile building block in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals.

Isopropyl alcohol, or 2-propanol, is the best-known compound containing the isopropyl group. It is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a boiling point about 82.6 °C and miscible with water. Industrially, isopropyl alcohol is produced primarily by the acid-catalyzed hydration of propylene. It is widely used as a solvent in paints, inks, and coatings, as well as in cleaning products and as a disinfectant; a common preparation is rubbing alcohol when diluted with water.

Safety considerations for isopropyl-containing substances center on flammability and exposure hazards. Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, and appropriate storage, ventilation, and handling practices are required. Environmental and regulatory guidelines govern disposal and spill response.