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Why is there multiple names for isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol?

Isopropyl alcohol(CAS67-63-0) is a colorless, flammable organic compound with a pungent alcoholic odor. It is the simplest example of a secondary alcohol, where the alcohol carbon atom is attached to two other carbon atoms. It has the chemical formula (CH3)2CHOH and the IUPAC name propan-2-ol.

Isopropyl alcohol(CAS67-63-0) has several other common names, such as:

  • 2-propanol
  • Isopropanol
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • sec-Propyl alcohol
  • 2-Hydroxypropane
  • i-PrOH
  • Dimethyl carbinol
  • IPA

These names are derived from different sources, such as:

  • The position of the hydroxyl group on the propane chain (2-propanol, propan-2-ol)
  • The presence of an isopropyl group (isopropanol, isopropyl alcohol)
  • The use of the compound as a topical antiseptic (rubbing alcohol)
  • The structure of the compound as a secondary alcohol (sec-propyl alcohol)
  • The presence of two methyl groups and a hydroxyl group (dimethyl carbinol)
  • The abbreviation of the IUPAC name or the common name (i-PrOH, IPA)

Isopropyl alcohol is not the same as ethyl alcohol, which is also known as ethanol or grain alcohol. Ethyl alcohol has the chemical formula CH3CH2OH and the IUPAC name ethanol. It is the primary alcohol in alcoholic beverages. Ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol have different physical and chemical properties, such as boiling point, density, solubility, and toxicity.

Isopropyl alcohol(CAS67-63-0) is widely used as a solvent, disinfectant, fuel additive, and chemical intermediate. It can also be oxidized to acetone, another important solvent. Isopropyl alcohol was first produced in 1920 by chemists at the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey (later Exxon Mobil) while studying petroleum by-products.

The following table summarizes some of the data and properties of isopropyl alcohol:

PropertyValue
Molar mass60.096 g/mol
Density0.786 g/cm3 (20 °C)
Melting point−89 °C
Boiling point82.6 °C
Solubility in waterMiscible
Acidity (pKa)16.5
Flash point11.7 °C (open cup)
Autoignition temperature399 °C
Explosive limits2–12.7%

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Extended Reading
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