Uses of Isopropyl

Despite containing the term "alcohol," isopropyl alcohol is denatured and cannot be consumed for intoxication. Isopropyl holds a variety of uses in everything from construction to agriculture. Construction uses isopropyl as a solvent for wood finishing. Agriculture and private consumers enjoy isopropyl's disinfecting properties. You should always be careful to avoid fumes and vapors from isopropyl.

• Isopropyl alcohol is denatured.

Identification

• Isopropyl alcohol is also known by the acronym IPA and the nickname "rubbing alcohol," according to AbsoluteAstronomy. IPA carries a potent odor and no color, but is highly flammable. You can form isopropyl by combining water and propene; Although IPA has the same chemical formula as propanol, it has different structure, known as an isomer in science.

Construction

• Isoproyl forms many important compounds used to create wood finish, such as acetone, shellac solvent and drying inks. Shellacs give wood a smoother and darker look, often more desirable than lighter colors. The actual shellac comes in flakes that need to dissolve in a denatured alcohol such as isopropyl. The acetone formed from isopropyl is commonly used to remove nail polish and other paints.

Disinfectant

• Many hospitals and private consumers use isopropyl alcohol for its toxicity in bacteria, fungus and viruses, according to ScoreCard. Food producers and restaurants also use IPA to disinfect surfaces. Your barber may also use an isopropyl alcohol solution when cleaning their cutting tools. Zoo and farms sometimes wipe down cages with an IPA solution.

Pesticide

• Agricultural business also uses IPA as a great compound to kill unwanted insects and parasites by using it as an adjuvant, reports Scorecard. An adjuvant in agricultural pesticides and herbicides is a solution added to help the pesticide spread evenly across the plant or slow the uptake of the chemical. Some plants may not be able to absorb enough pure pesticide before it evaporates, according to adjuvant provider DeSangosse. The adjuvant mixes with pesticide without changing any chemical properties.

Warning

• Although the EPA does not have any regulations regarding the libation of isopropyl. Scorecard.org, a pollution information organization, reports that the vapors from IPA can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. High doses of isopropyl can cause damage to the Central Nervous System. Although more study on the effects of isopropyl is needed, usage in rats has shown skeletal deformities and frailness, reports Scorecard.