isopropüülalkohol

Isopropüülalkohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol or 2-propanol, is a chemical compound with the formula C3H8O. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor. Isopropüülalkohol is the second simplest example of a secondary alcohol, the other being ethanol. It is miscible with water, ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Industrially, isopropüülalkohol is produced by the hydration of propene. It is widely used as a solvent and as a cleaning fluid. In medicine, it is commonly used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. It is found in many household products, including hand sanitizers, rubbing alcohol, and cleaners. Due to its ability to dissolve oils and greases, it is also effective in removing such residues from surfaces.

When used as a disinfectant, isopropüülalkohol works by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids in the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to cell death. While effective against many bacteria and viruses, it is not effective against bacterial spores. It is important to note that while commonly used, prolonged or excessive exposure to isopropüülalkohol can cause skin irritation and drying. It is also flammable, and its vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.