Alcohols
Any class of organic compound that can be described as a hydrocarbon chain with one or more hydroxyl groups attached to it is called alcohol. Alcohols are among the most common and abundantly produced organic compounds with a variety of chemical usage and industrial implications. They resemble the structure of water, where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by an alkyl group of carbon atoms (Wade). Carbon atoms are usually represented by R in formulas of organic structures. Depending on which carbon atom from the chain is bonded to the hydroxyl group, alcohols can be categorized into three types: primary, secondary, or tertiary (Wade). For example, the molecular formula C3H8O represents two propanol isomers – 1-propanol and 2-propanol; the difference between them lies in the place of the hydroxyl group attachments.
Isopropyl (2-Propanol) Functions
The 2-propanol compound is also referred to as isopropyl. It is the first commercial synthetic alcohol, which was produced in the early 20th century. Isopropyl is synthesized in two steps: through the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid and the consequent hydrolysis (Wade). If mixed with water, isopropyl alcohol can be used as a rubbing-alcohol antiseptic applicable in medicine and post-COVID everyday life. It is also used in products of personal care and cosmetics, such as aftershave lotions, bath and make-up products, as well as skin, hair, and nail care products (Han et al., 2018). Overall, isopropyl alcohol functions as an antifoaming and viscosity-decreasing agent, cosmetic astringent, and solvent (Han et al., 2018). For example, the reactions that use isopropyl are denaturing of ethanol, addition to wet gas to prevent the separation and freezing of a water layer, or oxidization in order to produce acetone, another essential solvent.
Isopropyl Pros and Cons
Isopropyl alcohol is a well-balanced organic compound. Compared to ethanol, which is also commonly used as a solvent, isopropyl is more toxic (Wade). However, it has a weaker drying effect on the skin, explaining its prevalence in the cosmetics market (Mahmood et al., 2020). As an antiseptic in highly potent combinations with water, isopropyl efficiently kills most viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Unfortunately, it cannot handle bacterial spores, which makes its usage appropriate only for instruments that do not come into direct contact with patients (Wade). Lastly, isopropyl is not regulated and taxed by the U.S. government, as is ethanol, but its frequent application can damage certain materials, such as shellac or plastic.
Isopropyl Alternatives
In the context of isopropyl alternatives as sanitizers, ethyl alcohol serves as a solid option. It has the same potency properties, varying primarily in the overall effect in the continuous application to the skin (Mahmood et al., 2020). However, both ethyl and isopropyl alcohols fail to kill micro-organic spores (Mahmood et al., 2020). For this case, hydrogen peroxide might be the best alternative, particularly in disinfecting open wounds. In the cosmetic field, reasonable alternatives are the fatty alcohols mainly used in soap production as emulsifiers. Due to their emollient properties, they positively impact and protect the skin, except for the oversensitive ones (Davidsohn). There are several natural astringents and preservatives regarding the alternatives that are not based on alcohol, such as green tea, hazel, and others.
References
Davidsohn, A. (n.d.). Soap and detergent. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
Han, C., Yao, Y., Lv, S., Wu, Y., Lu, A., Yan, C., Liu, Y., Luo, X. & Ni, X. (2018). Study on the components of isopropanol aqueous solution.Optik, 155, 307-314.
Mahmood, A., Eqan, M., Pervez, S., Alghamdi, H. A., Tabinda, A. B., Yasar, A., Brindhadevi, K. & Pugazhendhi, A. (2020). COVID-19 and frequent use of hand sanitizers; human health and environmental hazards by exposure pathways. Science of the Total Environment, 742.
Structure of water and alcohol [Online image]. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
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Structure of 2- propanol [Online image]. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
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Types of alcohol [Online image]. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
Wade, L. G. (n.d.). Alcohol. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
Wade, L. G. (n.d.). Isopropyl alcohol. In Encyclopedia Britannica.