Centrifuge tubes are indispensable in any laboratory setting, serving crucial roles in processes such as separation, precipitation of samples, and more. Given their importance, selecting the appropriate centrifuge tubes is vital to ensure the efficiency, accuracy, and safety of your experiments. Here, we delve into essential tips for choosing the right centrifuge tubes for your lab.

1. Understand Your Application Needs

The first step in selecting centrifuge tubes is understanding the specific requirements of your application. Different experiments necessitate different types of tubes. For instance, if you're working with highly volatile substances, you might need tubes that can withstand high centrifugal forces without breaking or leaking. Consider the following factors:

• Sample Volume: Determine the volume of the samples you will be processing. Centrifuge tubes come in various sizes, typically ranging from 0.2 mL to 50 mL. Choosing the right volume ensures optimal performance and prevents sample loss.

• Chemical Compatibility: Ensure the material of the tube is compatible with the chemicals and reagents you’ll be using. Some materials might react with specific chemicals, compromising the integrity of the tube and your sample.

2. Material Matters

Centrifuge tubes are made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits and limitations. The most common materials are plastic and glass, with plastic being subdivided into types such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS).

• Polypropylene (PP): Known for its durability and resistance to chemicals, PP tubes are suitable for a wide range of applications. They are also autoclavable, making them ideal for experiments requiring sterility.

• Polyethylene (PE): PE tubes are generally used for storage and less demanding applications. They are more flexible but not suitable for high-speed centrifugation.

• Polystyrene (PS): PS tubes are clear and offer excellent visibility, making them great for optical measurements. However, they are not as chemically resistant as PP and are more prone to cracking under stress.

• Glass: Glass tubes provide excellent chemical resistance and are easy to clean, but they are fragile and can break under high-speed centrifugation. They are typically used for specific applications where plastic tubes are unsuitable.

3. Consider the Tube Design

The design of the centrifuge tube can impact the results of your experiments. Key design features to consider include:

• Conical vs. Round Bottom: Conical-bottom tubes facilitate easy pellet formation and retrieval, making them ideal for applications involving precipitates. Round-bottom tubes are better suited for mixing and general storage.

• Graduations and Labeling: Tubes with clear graduations allow for accurate measurement of samples. Additionally, tubes with writable surfaces or pre-printed labels make sample identification easier and reduce the risk of mix-ups.

• Closure Type: Choose between screw caps, snap caps, or plug caps based on your needs. Screw caps provide a secure seal, preventing leakage during high-speed centrifugation. Snap caps offer convenience for quick access but may not be as secure. Plug caps can provide a tight seal but are less commonly used.

4. Evaluate the Performance Specifications

Performance specifications such as maximum RCF (relative centrifugal force), temperature range, and sterility are critical factors to consider.

• Maximum RCF: Ensure the tubes can withstand the maximum RCF they will be subjected to during centrifugation. Exceeding the specified RCF can cause the tubes to fail, potentially ruining your samples and damaging the centrifuge.

• Temperature Range: Some experiments require extreme temperatures. Make sure the tubes you select can handle the temperature range needed for your applications, whether it involves freezing or heating.

• Sterility: For experiments requiring sterile conditions, choose tubes that are pre-sterilized or autoclavable. Sterility is crucial in preventing contamination and ensuring reliable results.

5. Factor in Cost and Availability

While quality should never be compromised, it's also essential to consider the cost and availability of the centrifuge tubes. Balancing budget constraints with the need for reliable, high-quality tubes can be challenging but is necessary for efficient lab management.

• Bulk Purchasing: If you use a high volume of centrifuge tubes, buying in bulk can reduce costs. However, ensure that the tubes have a long shelf life if you plan to store them for extended periods.

• Supplier Reliability: Choose reputable suppliers to guarantee the quality and consistency of the tubes. Reliable suppliers often provide better customer support and faster delivery times.

6. Source from Trusted Suppliers

Finding the right centrifuge tubes also means sourcing them from a reliable supplier that offers a wide range of options to meet your lab's diverse needs. At Lab Pro Inc., you can find the biggest selection of high-quality centrifuge tubes. Whether you need tubes for high-speed centrifugation, specific chemical compatibility, or particular volume requirements, Lab Pro Inc. provides an extensive variety to choose from. With their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Lab Pro Inc. ensures that you have access to the best products for your laboratory applications, helping you achieve accurate and reliable results every time.

Conclusion

Choosing the right centrifuge tubes for your lab is a multifaceted decision that impacts the efficiency and accuracy of your experiments. By considering your application needs, material compatibility, design features, performance specifications, and cost, you can make an informed choice that enhances your lab's operations. Investing time in selecting the appropriate centrifuge tubes ultimately leads to more reliable results and a more efficient workflow in your laboratory.

For over 5 years, KKD Chemicals and Scientific Co. is your steadfast source for lab centrifuge tubes, cleanroom lab supplies, hand tools, lab equipment, chemicals, and PPE apparel. Trusted by aerospace industries, medical device companies, and laboratories globally, we epitomize exceptional quality in every product. Experience the convenience of next day service in California. Contact us online or at 93179-75342 to explore solutions tailor-made for the laboratory industry. Elevate your experiments with KKD Chemicals and Scientific Co. – your partner in precision and excellence.

Glasswares are important assets in any laboratory. Good quality glassware help with accurate results and are easy to use. While purchasing glasswares for the lab few parameters such as quality of the glass, measurement markings, its strength, and certifications are of due importance. The way to achieve accurate results in any experiment is through the right set of glassware. So, it is of due importance to choose the quality of glassware equipment to perform different types of tasks in the laboratory.

We have gathered the different factors that should be taken into consideration while purchasing lab equipment. Let’s unfold them:

Quality and Durability

It is very important to buy very good quality glassware equipment. Finding whether glass or any other material is right for the work at hand depends on various elements such as instrument design, material features, and cost. However, glass is the priority in laboratories for many good reasons. Borosilicate glassware is used for experiments due to its high durability, inertness towards chemicals, and thermal resistivity.

Material

To perform any tasks in the lab it is very essential that the product should be of the best quality.

Some of the different varieties of glassware items that are used in the laboratory are beakers, volumetric flasks, measuring cylinders test tubes, glass Petri dishes, and others. So, it is very important to choose the best brand of glassware equipment to perform different types of tasks. we must confirm that the equipment you are going to acquire co-operates with the pre-arranged standard specifications. To ensure functional performance, durability, and performance, picking a good product from a well-known brand is recommended.

Type of Glassware

There are two types of glassware available for laboratory purposes.

Borosilicate glassware: These are favored due to their high durability, inertness to chemicals, high thermal stability and efficiency.

Flint glassware: These are used for general applications of experiments where the chemical aspects of compounds are not an issue. These are made from common glass.

Further, there are two types of glasswares depending upon the accuracy levels of the results.

Class A: This glassware provides higher accuracy levels due to the high resistance to defects. These are made from high-quality glass.

Class B: This glassware is also called student glassware and is used for common experiments that do not involve harsh chemicals. These are made with soda-lime material.

Precision

Before purchasing any particular glassware products which you are going to buy must work

for you. We have to confirm whether it is borosilicate or not. So, first, take a look into the technical features and requirements of the product that include material solidity, ability to withstand high temperatures, freezing and melting points for certain tubes and vials, strength, and durability.

Certifications

Certificates confirm that the product has been tested for compliance with the appropriate standards. Borosilicate glass has good physical and chemical properties. It has the ability to withstand a high variety of chemicals and temperatures and has good thermal shock and mechanical stability. All lab technicians and analysts prefer borosilicate glassware for their work.

Handling and Cleanliness

Glassware needs to be easy to handle and efficient to save time. Cleaning glassware laboratory is very necessary at times and can be done by making use of different types of methods. The glassware can be cleaned easily if it is borosilicate or a good quality material because the contaminations and chemicals which is caused by experiments or any kind of tasks can be removed easily.

KKD Chemicals and Scientific Co. offers a huge variety of lab glassware for all kinds of applications. Customers from 500+ cities in India and 10+ countries worldwide trust KKD Chemicals and Scientific Co. for their laboratory needs.

Visit www.kkdchem.in now to get your lab glassware!

While chemists and researchers are making increased use of plastic in the laboratory, glass is still the choice of many. Obviously, deciding whether glass or plastic is right for the job at hand depends on various elements such as instrument design, material characteristics, and cost. But glass is the choice of many for many good reasons.

The general properties of glass

Glass out-performs plastic with its high chemical resistance against many substances, including acids, alkalis, organic solvents, saline solutions, and water. The only substances that can destroy glass are hydrofluoric acid, strong alkalis used at high temperatures, and concentrated phosphoric acid.

Additional advantages to using glass in the lab include its dimensional stability, even at high temperatures, and its transparency. Other advantages include the fact that many sizes of many pieces of laboratory equipment are available, and glass is easy to clean. It is suitable for reagent and chemical storage, and Pyrex, a type of glass, is resilient to heat.

There are different kinds of technical glass types available, each with different properties, making them useful for differing applications. These are:

Soda-lime glass: eg. AR-Glas is suitable for short exposure to chemicals, and for limited heat stress because of its good physical and chemical properties. Products manufactured from this kind of glass include culture tubes and pipettes.

Borosilicate glass: eg. BORO 3.3, BORO 5.0 Once again, this type of glass has good physical and chemical properties. BORO 3.3 has the ability to withstand a high variety of chemicals and temperatures and has good thermal shock and mechanical stability capabilities.

What is laboratory glassware?

Laboratory glassware is a large variety of equipment used in science that has, up until the advent of some plastic alternatives, been traditionally made from glass. Glass is used in analytical laboratories, as well as in chemistry and biology.

Glass can be formed into many shapes and sizes by molding, cutting, bending, and blowing. Because of the possibility of breakage, many laboratories train first-time staff in how to use glassware in the lab correctly, and about the potential hazards inherent in working with glass.

Tips for working with glass in the laboratories

When you work with glass in the laboratory, it is important to remember its limitations in regard to mechanical stress and thermal shock. Ensure that you take strict safety measures at all times. When inducing an exothermic reaction, such as when you dilute sulphuric acid, make sure you stir and cool, and that the reaction takes place in a suitable vessel.

This could be an Erlenmeyer flask. Avoid using graduated cylinders and volumetric flasks for exothermic reactions. Do not heat volumetric instruments on heating plates or you run the risk of breakage.

Do not expose glass instruments to sudden temperature changes or to sudden pressure changes. For example, do not let air quickly into evacuated glass apparatus, and never evacuate vessels with flat bottoms. They are not designed for vacuum use. Only apply effort (not force) steadily and in a controlled manner on empty glass instruments. Use safety devices such as goggles, gloves, and screens.

The mechanical resistance of glass

In terms of thermal resistance, glass should be heated to a temperature somewhere between the lower and upper annealing point. It should be kept at that temperature for about 30 minutes. It should then be cooled according to prescribed cooling rates.

The tensile strength of glass is fairly low, a factor that is greatly enhanced by the presence of cracks or scratches. In terms of resistance to temperature changes, the glass should be properly heated and cooled so that permissible mechanical loads are not exceeded, and breakage is avoided. Different types of glass show different levels of temperature change resistance.

How glass resists chemicals

Glass reacts minimally with water and acids at the surface level. Only tiny amounts are dissolved from the glass, through which a layer of silica gel forms on the surface to stop a further attack.

Hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid do, however, prevent such a layer from forming. Alkalis do attack the glass surface at high concentrations and temperatures, sometimes resulting in the destruction of graduations of volumetric instruments, or a change in volume.

How to keep your lab glassware spotlessly clean

First of all, clean the apparatus in cold water to ensure that any protein residues are removed. Then, soak the glassware  in a disinfectant solution that is mixed at the correct dilution ratio.

Use a bristle brush to remove any material adhering to the surface of the glass. Then soak again, or use an ultrasonic bath. Rinse the item in deionized water three times to remove any detergent that might be lurking. Drain on a rack, and then dry in a clean environment or a hot air oven. 

KKD chemicals & scientific co. is a stockist and distributor of high quality speciality and general chemicals, lab glasswares and instruments.We have all the experience and resources expected of a leading chemical Supplier which enables us to provide you with the products you need, when and where you need them. Service with best standard is our motto. KKD chemicals & scientific co. was established in the year 2020, we are located at Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. We have good reputation as suppliers and wholesalers of Scientific and Lab Instruments. We constantly make use of the past experience and keep making the relevant changes according to changing times. All the products that we supply are of highest quality standards. All our vendors follow most advanced quality standards. Our range of products includes Laboratory Glassware, Chemical Glassware, Chemicals, Thermometers, and Hydrometers etc. All these products are widely used in a number of demanding applications across different sectors. 

1.  Kkd Chemicals and Scientific Co

KKD chemicals & scientific co. is a stockist and distributor of high quality speciality and general chemicals, lab glasswares and instruments.We have all the experience and resources expected of a leading chemical Supplier which enables us to provide you with the products you need, when and where you need them. Service with best standard is our motto. KKD chemicals & scientific co. was established in the year 2020, we are located at Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh. We have good reputation as suppliers and wholesalers of Scientific and Lab Instruments. We constantly make use of the past experience and keep making the relevant changes according to changing times. All the products that we supply are of highest quality standards. All our vendors follow most advanced quality standards. Our range of products includes Laboratory Glassware, Chemical Glassware, Chemicals, Thermometers, and Hydrometers etc. All these products are widely used in a number of demanding applications across different sectors. 

2.  Merck India

Merck India, a subsidiary of the global Merck Group, stands as a prominent supplier of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and consumables in the Indian market. With a legacy dating back to 1668, Merck brings centuries of expertise and a commitment to innovation to the scientific community.

Merck India plays a pivotal role in advancing scientific research across various domains, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academia. The company’s product portfolio encompasses a wide array of high-quality chemicals, solvents, and biochemicals crucial for diverse laboratory applications. Known for its relentless pursuit of innovation, Merck India actively engages in research and development initiatives, contributing to the evolution of laboratory technologies.

3.  Thermo Fisher Scientific India

Thermo Fisher Scientific India, a subsidiary of the renowned Thermo Fisher Scientific, is a leading provider of scientific solutions, instruments, and laboratory chemicals. With a global presence, Thermo Fisher Scientific is synonymous with cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive support for scientific endeavors. Thermo Fisher Scientific India plays a vital role in supporting scientific research in healthcare, life sciences, and environmental analysis. The company’s product range covers laboratory chemicals, analytical instruments, and equipment essential for diverse scientific applications, contributing to the accuracy and efficiency of research endeavors.

4.  Sisco Research Laboratories (SRL)

Sisco Research Laboratories (SRL) is a distinguished laboratory chemical supplier in India, renowned for providing high-quality reagents, biochemicals, and laboratory equipment. With a legacy spanning several decades, SRL has earned a reputation for reliability and precision.

SRL’s commitment to quality has positioned it as a preferred choice for laboratories across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and academia. SRL stands out for its offering of custom synthesis services, allowing researchers to obtain chemicals tailored to their specific requirements. Additionally, the company provides robust technical support, aiding researchers in selecting the right chemicals and optimizing experimental protocols.

5.  Central Drug House (CDH)

Central Drug House (CDH) is a leading supplier of laboratory chemicals, reagents, and specialty biochemicals in India. With a history dating back to 1981, CDH has been a key contributor to scientific research and industrial applications.

CDH’s extensive product range includes high-purity chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research laboratories. The company’s commitment to quality assurance and adherence to international standards has earned it a strong reputation in the market. CDH’s global presence positions it as a supplier with the capability to serve a diverse customer base, contributing to the globalization of Indian laboratory chemical suppliers.

Inception of Glass Test Tubes

The Glass Age

The birth of glassware dates back nearly 4,000 years, where a heap of silicate sand was heated into a molten liquid and shaped into glass vessels. Despite their ubiquity today, glass vessels were not always the mainstay in chemical laboratories. Until the 19th century, chemists utilised various materials for their flasks and retorts, including metal and ceramics.

The Clear Advantage of Glass

Glass, however, offered clear advantages over its counterparts. Its chemical inertness, transparency, and high malleability made it a superior choice for conducting experiments. The transparency of glass allowed for better control over processes like mixing and separation, while its malleability offered the flexibility of shaping it into various forms. Early chemists even utilised common household items like wine and beer glasses for their experiments.

Emergence of the Glass Test Tube

The Father or Fathers of the Test Tube

The invention of the modern test tube is often attributed to the renowned Swedish chemist, Jöns Jacob Berzelius, in the 1820s. This heat-resistant, stemless glass vessel marked the beginning of what history would later term as the “glassware revolution”. However, science history also credits Michael Faraday for the creation of the glass test tube that we know today. It could be that Berzelius first used a large tall beaker and Faraday then developed a smaller version.

The Glassblowing Skill

Along with the invention of the test tube, Berzelius championed glassblowing, a skill that was soon to become fundamental in the field of chemistry. Despite being often regarded as a mere craft skill requiring little intellectual input, esteemed scientists like Berzelius and Michael Faraday referred to glassblowing as an essential component of a chemist’s expertise.

The Glassware Revolution

An Accessible Skill

Two centuries ago, glassblowing was instrumental in making chemistry accessible. All chemists, regardless of their wealth or professional status, learned to perform experiments using apparatus made almost exclusively from glass tubing. This revolutionised the field of chemistry, making it more inclusive and democratic.

From Handcrafted to Mass-produced

Although most laboratory glassware today is mass-produced in factories, the hand-crafted origins of glass test tubes marked a seismic shift in the field of chemistry. The glassware revolution was not merely a change in chemistry’s material culture, but it also marked the beginning of new ways of conducting research within the discipline.

The Test Tube: A Symbolic Story

The Unassuming Hero

The test tube, despite being one of the least imposing items on a scientist’s workbench, has become a powerful symbol of modern science. Its ubiquitous presence, coupled with its workaday function, has rendered it almost invisible. Yet, the test tube’s symbolic power is second to none.

The Test Tube and Modern Science

The test tube is possibly the only piece of lab equipment that has come to symbolise the entirety of modern science. Despite its lack of a compelling backstory or any defining character, the test tube has held its ground as the universal symbol for science.

Heat Resistance: A Game-Changer

The Creation of Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glass, created by the German chemist Otto Schott in 1893, was a significant development for the test tube. Made with boric oxide, silica sand, and soda ash, borosilicate glass has a low thermal expansion coefficient, meaning it can withstand very high temperatures without altering its shape, area, or volume.

The Impact of Heat Resistance

This heat resistance meant that test tubes could be applied directly to a heat source like a Bunsen burner, raising the temperature of the contents inside while leaving the tube itself intact. Its resistance to chemicals and excellent optical clarity made it the ideal material for test tubes and other pieces of glassware.

The Symbolic Power of the Test Tube

The Incubator of Ideas

The test tube has come to signify something much larger than its physical form. As Andrea Sella, Professor of Chemistry at University College London, puts it, “The test tube has this metaphorical meaning that has gone far beyond its physical form. It is the incubator of ideas, the thing to which you turn to carry out experiments.”

The Test Tube: A Universal Symbol for Science

The resonance of the test tube has built up over the years, largely due to its encounter with children early on in their school careers. It summarises the idea of ‘doing science’ and has become a universal symbol for science.

In Conclusion

The glass test tube, an unsung hero of the scientific world, has revolutionised the way we conduct experiments and understand science. Its journey from the ancient art of glassblowing to the modern laboratories of today underlines the importance of seemingly simple inventions in shaping the world as we know it. Despite the advent of advanced technology, the symbolic power of the humble test tube continues to capture the essence of scientific exploration.

Popular culture often depicts science laboratories in spaceships, volcanoes, skyscrapers, or top-secret bunkers. In reality, most labs are just regular offices or warehouses. However, some real-life research centres occupy jaw-dropping complexes in the most extreme environments imaginable. They’re a far cry from your average lab, but these outlandish scientific laboratories conduct excellent research in tough conditions.

They also get more people interested in science, and that’s a win across all disciplines. As Professor Shane Bergin of Trinity College Dublin puts it, ‘all good science stems from conversations about science’. As such, let’s discuss the six most impressive science laboratories in the world.

The FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility, University of Edinburgh Science Laboratories

Central Edinburgh isn’t exactly a spaceship or a volcano. However, this research centre in a Scottish university is pretty unique. Many scientific laboratories use laboratory flasks, test tubes, and microscopes to conduct experiments. FloWave uses something else entirely. The centre hosts an 82 ft wide circular wave pool surrounded by 168 automated paddles. These paddles move in patterns to simulate the open ocean, mimicking all sorts of wave speeds and shapes. Researchers use FloWave to test the offshore energy industry equipment, re-creating everything the ocean throws at turbines and oil rigs. They can even generate a 90 ft vertical spike wave.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), Panama

Scientific laboratories pop up in rainy cities and sun-soaked jungles alike. Exemplifying the latter here, the STRI on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, deserves a shoutout as one of the world’s most impressive science laboratories. Engineers created Barro Colorado Island when the region was flooded for the Panama canal, and US researchers established a research station there in 1923. Biologists in the STRI have researched jungle ecology, particularly primate studies, on a beautiful tropical island ever since.

The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), Switzerland

For another drastic change of scenery, it’s time to look at CERN in the French and Swiss alps. Spanning two countries and 5.5 square kilometres, CERN is the biggest research facility on the planet. Founded by 12 members states in 1954, the mountainous complex now hosts researchers from more than 70 countries and, most famously, the large hadron collider (LHC). The 27-kilometre ring of superconductive magnetic particle accelerators made history when they helped discover the Higgs Boson in 2014.

The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica

Antarctica, the only continent with more scientific laboratories than places of worship, is a major hub for the scientific community. The US founded their Amundsen-Scott station in 1957, and the centre still generates insightful oceanographic and atmospheric research to this day. Polar missions demand a lot from each researcher, and they often span a full year on the isolated station. However, the Amundsen-Scott centre still makes the bucket list for many intrepid scientists around the world.

Aquarius Science Laboratories, Florida

Aquarius, the closest thing to the deep-sea base from James Bond, is the world’s only underwater laboratory. Scientists swim down 50 ft to this seabed lab to study coral reefs, marine life, tidal nutrients, and climate change. The lab hosts up to six scientists on 10-day missions, offering the researchers creature comforts like showers and microwave ovens deep below the waves.

The International Space Station (ISS)

Despite tough competition, there’s only one winner of the most impressive science laboratories in the world- or 250 miles above the world, to be precise. The ISS took a decade and over $150 billion to build. It’s a monument to scientific research and international cooperation, where scientists conduct cutting-edge microgravity research while hurtling through orbit at 17,227 mph.

Conclusions: The World’s Most Impressive Science Laboratories

The scientific centres described above create eye-catching studies in picturesque locations. Crucially, however, they share the same curiosity, goals, and often the same equipment as every other laboratory in the world. With the right team and the right tools, anything is possible, no matter the location.

What is Isopropyl Alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol commonly referred to as Isopropanol or n-propanol or dimethylcarbinol is a colourless and flammable liquid with the formula C3H8O.

Isopropyl alcohol is widely employed in solvent applications. Isopropyl alcohol was one of the first petrochemical products to be manufactured and produced in 1920. The solvent properties of isopropyl alcohol are similar to ethyl alcohol. It is also called isopropyl solvents.

IUPAC name – Propan-2-ol

C3H8O Isopropyl Alcohol

Density 786 kg/m³

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 60.1 g/mol

Boiling Point 82.5 °C

Melting point -89 °C

Chemical Formula CH3CH(OH)CH3

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure – C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure - C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure – C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Synthesis- C3H8O

Propylene on esterification in the presence of sulphuric acid undergoes hydrolysis to form isopropyl alcohol. The reaction is as follows.

CH3-CH=CH2 + H2SO4 ⟶ CH3CH(OH)CH3 (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Physical Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

Odour Unpleasant like ethyl alcohol

Appearance Clear, colourless liquid

Specific Density 786 kg/m³

Specific heat 2.68 J/(gK)

Solubility Completely soluble in water.

Chemical Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

1. It reacts in a complex way with bromine giving mainly brominated acetones such as BrCH2COCBr3 and isopropyl bromide.

C3H7OH ➝ BrCH2COCBr3 + CH3CH(Br)CH3(isopropyl bromide)

2. It is the main ingredient in rubbing alcohol. It can decompose into acetone and hydrogen gas according to the following reaction.

C3H7OH ➝ C3H6O(acetone) + H2

Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

Used as a solvent and intermediate in the production of chemicals. In industry, it is used as a solvent for the instant manufacture of cements, primers, paints and varnishes.

Most commonly used as a disinfectant for wiping down the surfaces of furniture and shelves in the operating room. It is effective against HBV viruses and is, therefore, used to clean blood or body fluids from the surface of equipment or furniture in the operating room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is isopropyl alcohol used for?

Isopropyl alcohol is combined with water to be used as an antiseptic rubbing alcohol. This is also used in aftershave lotions, lotions on hands and other cosmetics. This is used in industry as a cheap solvent for cosmetics, medicines, shellacs, and gums, as well as for the denaturation of ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

Q2 What reacts with isopropyl alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol, which is the equivalent of ketone, can be oxidised to acetone. Unlike other alcohol isopropyl alcohol leads to the formation of alkoxide that can be called isopropoxides with active metals such as potassium.

Q3 Are isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol the same?

The same chemical compound has different names for isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol. The ambiguity stems from the combining of two chemical naming codes. Propan-2-ol is the appropriate name under the IUPAC system; but isopropyl alcohol is the most widely used term for these chemicals.

Q4 Why is isopropyl alcohol toxic?

Isopropyl alcohol also greatly irritates the digestive tract. Drinking a lot of this in the stomach and intestines can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, pain and bleeding. It can lead to low blood pressure, fatigue, shock, and coma. Rubbing alcohol when inhaled can also be harmful.

Q5 What type of alcohol is isopropyl?

Isopropyl or isopropanol is composed of propylene gas. It is similar to synthetic ethyl alcohol, and if ingested, is poisonous. You will find it listed on windshield washer ingredients and nail polish removers. Rubbing alcohol is mixed with water by the isopropyl alcohol.

What type of alcohol is isopropyl?

Isopropyl or isopropanol is composed of propylene gas. It is similar to synthetic ethyl alcohol, and if ingested, is poisonous. You will find it listed on windshield washer ingredients and nail polish removers. Rubbing alcohol is mixed with water by the isopropyl alcohol.

What is Isopropyl Alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol commonly referred to as Isopropanol or n-propanol or dimethylcarbinol is a colourless and flammable liquid with the formula C3H8O.

Isopropyl alcohol is widely employed in solvent applications. Isopropyl alcohol was one of the first petrochemical products to be manufactured and produced in 1920. The solvent properties of isopropyl alcohol are similar to ethyl alcohol. It is also called isopropyl solvents.

IUPAC name – Propan-2-ol

C3H8O Isopropyl Alcohol

Density 786 kg/m³

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 60.1 g/mol

Boiling Point 82.5 °C

Melting point -89 °C

Chemical Formula CH3CH(OH)CH3

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure – C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure - C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Structure – C3H8O

Isopropyl Alcohol Synthesis- C3H8O

Propylene on esterification in the presence of sulphuric acid undergoes hydrolysis to form isopropyl alcohol. The reaction is as follows.

CH3-CH=CH2 + H2SO4 ⟶ CH3CH(OH)CH3 (Isopropyl Alcohol)

Physical Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

Odour Unpleasant like ethyl alcohol

Appearance Clear, colourless liquid

Specific Density 786 kg/m³

Specific heat 2.68 J/(gK)

Solubility Completely soluble in water.

Chemical Properties of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

1. It reacts in a complex way with bromine giving mainly brominated acetones such as BrCH2COCBr3 and isopropyl bromide.

C3H7OH ➝ BrCH2COCBr3 + CH3CH(Br)CH3(isopropyl bromide)

2. It is the main ingredient in rubbing alcohol. It can decompose into acetone and hydrogen gas according to the following reaction.

C3H7OH ➝ C3H6O(acetone) + H2

Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol – C3H8O

Used as a solvent and intermediate in the production of chemicals. In industry, it is used as a solvent for the instant manufacture of cements, primers, paints and varnishes.

Most commonly used as a disinfectant for wiping down the surfaces of furniture and shelves in the operating room. It is effective against HBV viruses and is, therefore, used to clean blood or body fluids from the surface of equipment or furniture in the operating room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What is isopropyl alcohol used for?

Isopropyl alcohol is combined with water to be used as an antiseptic rubbing alcohol. This is also used in aftershave lotions, lotions on hands and other cosmetics. This is used in industry as a cheap solvent for cosmetics, medicines, shellacs, and gums, as well as for the denaturation of ethanol (ethyl alcohol).

Q2 What reacts with isopropyl alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol, which is the equivalent of ketone, can be oxidised to acetone. Unlike other alcohol isopropyl alcohol leads to the formation of alkoxide that can be called isopropoxides with active metals such as potassium.

Q3 Are isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol the same?

The same chemical compound has different names for isopropanol and isopropyl alcohol. The ambiguity stems from the combining of two chemical naming codes. Propan-2-ol is the appropriate name under the IUPAC system; but isopropyl alcohol is the most widely used term for these chemicals.

Q4 Why is isopropyl alcohol toxic?

Isopropyl alcohol also greatly irritates the digestive tract. Drinking a lot of this in the stomach and intestines can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, pain and bleeding. It can lead to low blood pressure, fatigue, shock, and coma. Rubbing alcohol when inhaled can also be harmful.

Q5 What type of alcohol is isopropyl?

Isopropyl or isopropanol is composed of propylene gas. It is similar to synthetic ethyl alcohol, and if ingested, is poisonous. You will find it listed on windshield washer ingredients and nail polish removers. Rubbing alcohol is mixed with water by the isopropyl alcohol.

What type of alcohol is isopropyl?

Isopropyl or isopropanol is composed of propylene gas. It is similar to synthetic ethyl alcohol, and if ingested, is poisonous. You will find it listed on windshield washer ingredients and nail polish removers. Rubbing alcohol is mixed with water by the isopropyl alcohol.