What is Isopropyl Alcohol?

Also referred to as 2-propanol, this chemical compound is a key ingredient in hand sanitizers. This chemical compound is also the first synthetic alcohol to be produced. The chemical composition of isopropyl alcohol is C3H8O.

Production of Isopropyl Alcohol

The production of this chemical compound is created at the end of hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is the breakdown of chemical compounds because of the reaction that is created when it interacts with water. The reaction that creates this process is between propylene and sulfuric acid.

The importance of this compound is that it breaks down the fatty outer coatings of bacteria and viruses. This process of breaking it down is what allows the viruses and bacteria to be destroyed. The germ theory by Louis Pasteur is what put this idea of “sterilization” into place. In this theory, it was discovered that microorganisms are the causative agents of disease and the only way to combat them is to destroy them through denaturation processes. This is the key reason why isopropyl alcohol is used in hand sanitizers. Alcohol is what essentially denatures or destroys the microbial organisms that cause diseases.

Hand Sanitizer Basics

To prevent the spread of disease, it is recommended that people cover their mouths when they are coughing or sneezing. Other ways to reduce this are to stay home if you are showing signs of disease. Hand sanitizer is another item that helps prevent the spread of disease. There are a few things that make up the basis of hand sanitizer. These things are:

• Emollients
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Polyacrylate
• Fragrance

Are you Looking for Isopropyl Alcohol or other Commodity Chemicals?

Talk to our team of specialists to find the best chemicals for your business needs. Bulk Chemicals to Go offers chemicals such as this chemical compound that are important in the cleaning and sanitizing process. If you would like to find out more about how to purchase these chemicals, click here!