Isopropyl alcohol is one of those ubiquitous chemicals everyone recognizes. However, its uses stretch across numerous industries. Industrial ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s varied strengths of isopropyl alcohol are ideal for specific tasks, as noted below. But how does isopropyl alcohol perform all these functions? At strengths of 70% and higher, rubbing alcohol is chemically able to penetrate the cell walls of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Once inside the microorganism, isopropyl alcohol causes the cell’s proteins to coagulate and the organism perishes. Isopropyl alcohol generally contains a percentage of water since alcohol evaporates rapidly; the addition of water slows this evaporation rate and increases the effectiveness of isopropyl alcohol.

Antiseptic

At a solution greater than 50%, isopropyl alcohol is a high-proof ethanol bactericide; it kills existing bacteria but does not completely prevent future growth. It is also effective against fungi and viruses. Its role in hospital and clinic settings is multipurpose. Think of receiving an injection: a small package is ripped open and a sliver of cloth wipes the affected area beforehand. That small cloth is doused in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Before the doctor and nurses visit with a patient and after examining the patient, hands are washed with soap and water and disinfected with hand sanitizer — with 70% isopropyl alcohol as the primary ingredient.

Astringent

An astringent is defined as a substance that constricts body tissues. A 70% solution of rubbing alcohol has long been utilized in the cosmetics industry to tighten pores. The sensation of isopropyl alcohol on most peoples’ faces is described as a clean, refreshing feeling. This shrinking of tissue is a key reason isopropyl alcohol is a topical ingredient in products that help small wounds close and heal.

Solvent

An industry favorite, isopropyl alcohol is an inexpensive, reliable carrier for pharmaceuticals, topical ointments, printing, laboratory reagents, et cetera. Sticky substances, ink, oils, and grease are quickly dissolved with isopropyl alcohol. Industries use isopropyl alcohol in the manufacture of acetone and glycerol. In biology laboratories, the ability of rubbing alcohol to dry and tighten tissues gives it a role in specimen preservation. Lab chemicals are diluted and extracted with rubbing alcohol, paint strips more easily, electroplate cold cleaning and lithography find isopropyl alcohol their perfect solvent. 

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products, including isopropyl alcohol, stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.