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What it is. This isopropyl alcohol (IPA, isopropanol, 2-propanol) is a high-purity ACS grade solvent, supplied as a case of six 500 mL units. It is a clear, colorless, fast-evaporating liquid for analytical, cleaning, and extraction work.
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What ACS grade guarantees. ACS reagent isopropyl alcohol assays at 99.5% minimum, with limits of 0.2% water, 0.001% residue after evaporation, 0.002% each of acetone and propionaldehyde, 10 APHA color, and 0.0001 meq/g titrable acid or base. Those limits make it suitable for analysis, sample preparation, and residue-free cleaning.
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Chemical identity. Isopropyl alcohol (CAS 67-63-0, C3H8O, 60.10 g/mol) is the simplest secondary alcohol. It mixes completely with water and most organic solvents, making it a versatile bridge solvent between aqueous and organic systems.
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Physical properties. IPA boils at about 82 °C, freezes near -88 °C, and has a density of about 0.786 g/cm³ at 20 °C. Its flash point is 12 °C (closed cup), and its vapor forms flammable mixtures with air between about 2.0 and 12.7% by volume.
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Why 99% instead of 70%. High-purity IPA evaporates quickly and leaves virtually no residue, making it suitable for cleaning optics, electronics, and precision parts; drying glassware; and use as a solvent. Seventy-percent IPA, which contains more water, is generally preferred for disinfection because water slows evaporation and improves microbial kill.
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Solvent behavior. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves oils, resins, many plastic additives, and a wide range of organic compounds, and it also mixes with water. That dual behavior makes it effective for removing both water and organic residues in a single cleaning step.
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Six-unit case. Six 500 mL units let labs open one at a time, limiting moisture and contaminant uptake in unused stock and keeping individual units at their original purity longer.
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Flammability and handling. Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, and its vapor causes eye irritation and drowsiness at high concentrations. Use it away from ignition sources with good ventilation, ground containers when transferring larger volumes, and store it in a flammables cabinet.
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Where it is used. ACS isopropyl alcohol is used as an analytical and HPLC solvent; for extraction and recrystallization; for cleaning electronics, optics, and cleanroom surfaces; for dehydrating samples in histology; for drying glassware; and in formulation and quality control laboratories.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Isopropyl alcohol (2-propanol) |
| CAS Number |
67-63-0 |
| EC Number |
200-661-7 |
| Synonyms |
Isopropanol, 2-propanol, IPA, dimethyl carbinol, propan-2-ol |
| Formula |
(CH3)2CHOH (C3H8O) |
| Molecular Weight |
60.10 g/mol |
| Grade |
ACS reagent |
| Assay |
99.5% min (ACS requirement) |
| Water |
0.2% max |
| Residue after Evaporation |
0.001% max |
| Carbonyl Compounds (acetone, propionaldehyde) |
0.002% max each |
| Color (APHA) |
10 max |
| Titrable Acid or Base |
0.0001 meq/g max |
| Density |
About 0.786 g/cm³ (20 °C) |
| Boiling Point |
About 82 °C |
| Melting Point |
About -88.5 °C |
| Flash Point |
12 °C (closed cup) |
| Explosive Limits |
About 2.0 to 12.7% in air |
| Hazard Statements |
H225 (highly flammable), H319 (eye irritation), H336 (drowsiness or dizziness) |
| DOT |
UN1219, Isopropanol, Class 3, PG II |
| Exposure Limits |
OSHA PEL 400 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 400 ppm TWA, 500 ppm STEL |
| Package Size |
6 x 500 mL |
Applications / Common Uses
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Analytical solvent: Dissolves samples for analysis and sample preparation.
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Precision cleaning: Cleans electronics, optics, and parts without residue.
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Extraction: Extracts and recrystallizes organic compounds.
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Histology: Dehydrates tissue samples.
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Glassware drying: Removes water from rinsed glassware quickly.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable (flash point 12 °C) and its vapor can cause eye irritation, drowsiness, and dizziness. Keep it away from heat, sparks, and open flames, use it with good ventilation, and wear safety glasses and solvent-resistant gloves.
Store tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated flammables cabinet away from heat, sparks, open flames, and oxidizers. Keep unopened units sealed until needed, ground containers during large transfers, and keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby.
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Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, acid anhydrides, halogens, and aluminum at high temperature.
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Exposure limits: OSHA PEL 400 ppm TWA; NIOSH REL 400 ppm TWA, 500 ppm STEL.
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Spill response: Remove ignition sources, ventilate, and absorb with non-combustible material.
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First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes. Inhalation: move to fresh air. Skin: wash with soap and water.
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