70% Alcohol: Definition
Isopropyl alcohol also referred to as IPA or isopropanol, is an alcohol made up of an isopropyl group (a carbon atom attached to two methyl groups and a hydrogen atom) and a hydroxyl group (an oxygen atom attached to a hydrogen atom). Its chemical formula is C3H8O. 70% isopropyl alcohol simply refers to a solution that consists of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water.
70% Isopropyl Alcohol: Benefits
Why is isopropyl alcohol sold at a concentration of 70%? There are several reasons. First, isopropyl alcohol’s antimicrobial abilities greatly diminish at concentrations below 50%. Thus, at a concentration of 70%, it still demonstrates this property. When compared with 99% isopropyl alcohol, 70% isopropyl alcohol is cheaper, produces fewer vapors, and is less flammable. Furthermore, unlike 99% isopropyl alcohol, 70% isopropyl alcohol contains a significant amount of water, which slows its evaporation rate. This increases its contact time with surfaces, making it more efficient at eliminating bacteria and viruses. Its water content also boosts its ability to denature proteins in microorganisms’ cell walls.
In sum, isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 70% is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficacious product that is also as safe and inexpensive as possible.
70% Isopropyl Alcohol: Uses
70% isopropyl alcohol is an extremely versatile product that possesses a wide range of uses. To learn about a few of these functions, read on!
- Disinfectant – As mentioned above, 70% of isopropyl alcohol has antimicrobial properties, making it a popular disinfectant. It is often used in the healthcare industry to clean medical equipment, disinfect minor cuts prior to bandaging them, and sanitize skin before vaccinations.
- Household Cleaner – 70% isopropyl alcohol can also be employed as a household cleaning solution. It efficiently cleanses a number of items, such as electronics, blinds, dry erase boards, sinks, and jewelry. However, it should not be applied to wood or leather, as it may damage these surfaces.
- Stain Remover – This is one of the lesser-known uses of 70% isopropyl alcohol! If you realize you’ve stained an item of clothing, soak a pad in isopropyl alcohol and apply it to the stain as soon as possible. Replace the pad intermittently as it absorbs the stain.
70% Isopropyl Alcohol: Where to Buy
If you are looking to purchase isopropyl alcohol for industrial purposes, you’ve come to the right place. At BulkChemicals2Go, we offer a variety of chemicals in bulk sizes, including isopropyl alcohol. Please contact us here if you have any questions or would like to learn more!