PROPERTIES AND USES OF ISOPROPANOL

Isopropanol is a colorless liquid having a pleasant odor; it is soluble in water. It is more soluble in hydrocarbon liquids than methanol or ethanol. For this reason, small amounts of isopropanol may be mixed with methanol-gasoline blends used as motor fuels to reduce phaseseparation problems. About 50% of isopropanol use is to produce acetone. Other important synthetic uses are to produce esters of many acids, such as acetic (isopropyl acetate, solvent for cellulose nitrate), myristic, and oleic acids (used in lipsticks and lubricants). Isopropylpalmitate is used as an emulsifier for cosmetic materials. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent for alkaloids, essential oils, and cellulose derivatives.