History of Isopropanol
Isopropanol (C3 H8O) also known as 2-propanol is a form of rubbing alcohol found in the 1920's. Exxon Oil Company formed this compound while trying to create something that they could use from gas by-products, as a result they formed isopropanol, which eventually became the first commercial synthetic alcohol.
This chemical compound can be formed two ways; indirect hydration, and direct hydration. When using indirect hydration the chemist must react propene with sulfuric acid to form a mixture of sulfate esters. Then using hydrolysis on the esters isopropanol is formed. To use the direct hydration method, the chemist must react propene with water (in the gas or liquid form) at a high pressure with supporting catalysts present. Once the reaction is complete isopropanol is formed. In the United State indirect hydration is more common when creating ispropanol but in Europe direct hydration is more common.
Isopropanol can be used for multiple things most commonly: house hold cleaners, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, dye solutions, soaps, and adhesives. Although it can be flammable in the liquid form it is harmless to skin which is why it can be used in cosmetics and perfumes. Also it is miscible in water which is why it is in many house hold cleaners. Isopropanol doesn't have any problems with storage as long as it is stored in a closed container at room temperature and kept away from flames.
This chemical compound can be formed two ways; indirect hydration, and direct hydration. When using indirect hydration the chemist must react propene with sulfuric acid to form a mixture of sulfate esters. Then using hydrolysis on the esters isopropanol is formed. To use the direct hydration method, the chemist must react propene with water (in the gas or liquid form) at a high pressure with supporting catalysts present. Once the reaction is complete isopropanol is formed. In the United State indirect hydration is more common when creating ispropanol but in Europe direct hydration is more common.
Isopropanol can be used for multiple things most commonly: house hold cleaners, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, dye solutions, soaps, and adhesives. Although it can be flammable in the liquid form it is harmless to skin which is why it can be used in cosmetics and perfumes. Also it is miscible in water which is why it is in many house hold cleaners. Isopropanol doesn't have any problems with storage as long as it is stored in a closed container at room temperature and kept away from flames.