Difference between Isopropyl and Ethyl Alcohol: Which One Should You Choose?
Introduction
Alcohol is commonly used as a cleaning agent for medical equipment, surfaces, and instruments. It is also used as an antiseptic to disinfect skin before injections, taking blood, or surgical procedures. However, not all types of alcohol are created equal. Two of the most commonly used alcohol-based cleaning agents are isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol. Let’s dive into the differences between these two types of alcohol.
What is Isopropyl Alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a type of alcohol commonly used for disinfecting surfaces, medical equipment, and electronics. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor, commonly derived from natural gas or propane.
What is Ethyl Alcohol?
Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is a type of alcohol typically found in alcoholic beverages. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is commonly used in disinfectants and sanitizers. It is often produced by fermentation of sugar, starch, or other carbohydrates.
Chemical Properties:
The main difference between isopropyl and ethyl alcohol is their chemical structure. Isopropyl alcohol has a linear chain, whereas ethyl alcohol has a branched chain. This difference impacts their physical and chemical properties, such as boiling point, vapor pressure, solubility, and conductivity.
Isopropyl alcohol has a boiling point of 82.6°C, a flashpoint of 12.2°C, and is highly flammable. It is also a potent antiseptic and has a rapid evaporation rate, making it ideal for use in cleaning, sterilizing, and disinfecting applications.
Ethyl alcohol has a boiling point of 78.4°C and a flashpoint of 13°C. It is less flammable than isopropyl alcohol due to its lower vapor pressure. However, it is still highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
Safety Considerations:
Both Isopropyl and Ethyl alcohol are toxic when ingested or inhaled. Therefore, they should be kept out of reach of children and used only in well-ventilated areas. Additionally, due to their flammable nature, they should be stored away from open flames or heat, and used with caution.
Conclusion:
In summary, both isopropyl and ethyl alcohol are effective cleaning agents and disinfectants. While isopropyl alcohol has a slightly higher boiling point and is more flammable, both are considered safe for use with proper handling and storage. Ethyl alcohol can be found in a wide range of products such as sanitizers, antiseptics, and disinfectants, while isopropyl alcohol is more commonly used in hospitals and medical settings. Ultimately, the choice between these two alcohols will depend on the specific application and the desired outcome.
Table difference between isopropyl and ethyl alcohol
| Properties | Isopropyl Alcohol | Ethyl Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical formula | C3H8O | C2H5OH |
| Also known as | propan-2-ol, isopropanol, 2-propanol | ethanol |
| Specific gravity | 0.785 | 0.789 |
| Boiling point | 82.4 degrees Celsius | 78.4 degrees Celsius |
| Application | Used as a solvent, cleaning agent, and disinfectant | Used as a solvent, fuel, and alcoholic beverage |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic when ingested or inhaled, can cause skin irritation | Less toxic than isopropyl alcohol, but can still be dangerous in large amounts |
| Availability | Readily available in drugstores and supermarkets | Readily available in liquor stores and supermarkets |