Isopropyl alcohol can be used as -

The correct answer is hand-sanitizers.

Key Points

• Isopropyl alcohol, also known as isopropanol, is widely used as a primary ingredient in hand sanitizers due to its antimicrobial properties.
• It effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, making it a reliable disinfectant.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using hand sanitizers with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol for effective germ control.
• Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving no residue, which is ideal for sanitizing hands without the need for rinsing.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global demand for hand sanitizers containing isopropyl alcohol significantly increased as part of infection prevention measures.

Additional Information

• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA):
  • It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a strong odor, commonly used as a solvent and cleaning agent.
  • Its chemical formula is C3H8O, and it is classified as a secondary alcohol.
  • It is also utilized in medical wipes, rubbing alcohol, and surface disinfectants.
• Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers:
  • These sanitizers typically contain isopropyl alcohol or ethanol in concentrations ranging from 60% to 95% for effective germ control.
  • Non-alcohol-based alternatives are available but are generally less effective against certain types of germs.
• Antimicrobial Mechanism:
  • Isopropyl alcohol kills pathogens by denaturing proteins, which disrupts their cellular structure.
  • This process renders microorganisms inactive and prevents their growth.
• Safety Precautions:
  • Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable and should be stored away from open flames or heat sources.
  • It should not be ingested or used on open wounds due to its toxic effects when absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Other Applications:
  • Besides hand sanitizers, isopropyl alcohol is used in cosmetics, electronics cleaning, and laboratory settings as a solvent and disinfectant.
  • It is also employed in the automotive industry for cleaning purposes.