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Propanol Overview: Properties, Uses, Safety & Buying Guide
Propanol, also known as n-propanol, 1-propanol, propyl alcohol, or propan-1-ol, is a widely used alcohol-based solvent valued for its performance across industrial, laboratory, and specialized applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid with strong solvency, high miscibility with water and organic solvents, and reactive potential in synthesis processes.
This comprehensive guide provides essential information about propanol, including its main characteristics, physical and chemical properties, practical uses, safety recommendations, and sourcing details.
Properties of Propanol
Understanding propanol’s key characteristics is essential for determining its suitability in specific applications. Its physical profile and chemical reactivity influence performance, handling requirements, and compatibility with other substances.
Key Facts About Propanol:
- Compound Name: Propanol
- Synonyms: n-Propanol, 1-Propanol, Propyl alcohol, Propan-1-ol
- Chemical formula (ricinoleic acid): C₃H₈O (CH₃CH₂CH₂OH)
- CAS Numbers: 71-23-8
- Molar Mass: 60.10 g/mol
- Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Density
At 20 °C, propanol has a density of about 0.8032 g/cm³. This relatively low density contributes to its effectiveness as a lightweight solvent and influences its evaporation rate in industrial and laboratory conditions.
Boiling and Melting Points
The boiling point of propanol falls between 97 and 98 °C (207 to 208 °F), while its melting point is -126 °C (-195 °F). Because of this wide liquid range, it remains stable as a liquid across most practical environments. This consistency under varied temperatures supports its use in both room-temperature operations and higher-temperature synthesis processes.
Propanol is an important solvent for laboratories, manufacturers, and product developers. Organizations across the United States that need high-quality propanol for research, production, or formulation work can call Lab Alley at 512-668-9918 to order the grade and packaging size that best fits their application.
Solubility Profile
Propanol dissolves completely in water and is miscible in all proportions, which makes it highly adaptable for aqueous systems. It also mixes well with ethanol, diethyl ether, and many other organic solvents, broadening its applications across different types of formulations. This dual compatibility with polar and non-polar solvents is one reason it is widely chosen in research and production.
pH Level
Although propanol does not have a measurable pH in its pure state, it behaves as a neutral alcohol. In solutions, its reactivity depends more on the accompanying compounds than on inherent acidity or alkalinity.
Reactivity
Propanol participates in several important chemical reactions:
- Oxidizes to propanal and subsequently to propanoic acid.
- Forms esters through reaction with carboxylic acids in the presence of an acid catalyst.
- Dehydrates to propene under strong acidic conditions and elevated temperatures.
From a compatibility perspective, it reacts strongly with oxidizing agents such as chromic acid and permanganates, increasing risks of fire or explosion. It is also incompatible with strong acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, and isocyanates. On contact, it can deteriorate some plastics, rubbers, and coatings, limiting container and equipment choices.
Propanol’s hazards reflect its classification as a flammable liquid and vapor. Vapors are heavier than air and may spread along surfaces toward ignition sources. Direct exposure may cause eye and skin irritation, while ingestion or inhalation may depress the central nervous system and trigger dizziness, nausea, or respiratory irritation.
Propanol sold by Lab Alley comes in multiple grades and sizes, ranging from 500 mL laboratory bottles to 55-gallon drums for industrial supply.
Lab Alley
Staff Writer
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Uses & Benefits
Propanol serves multiple industries because of its solvent strength, chemical reactivity, and blending ability with both water and organic compounds. Each sector applies these attributes in different ways.
Industrial Applications
Industrially, propanol is essential as a solvent in coatings, resins, adhesives, and inks. Its ability to dissolve a broad range of compounds makes it integral to large-scale processes. It also functions as an intermediate in organic synthesis, linking raw chemicals to final products in manufacturing chains.
Scientific & Laboratory Uses
In laboratories, propanol is frequently employed for extractions and purifications. It provides consistent solvent behavior, which is critical for reproducible experiments. It also serves as a reagent in organic synthesis reactions, contributing to research and development across chemistry disciplines.
Consumer & Household Uses
Although not as common as isopropanol in everyday products, propanol appears in certain household and commercial goods. It is sometimes included in cleaning solutions, degreasers, and printing inks, where solvent efficiency is important for performance.
Specialized Applications
Propanol’s reach extends into pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. In pharmaceuticals, it functions as a solvent for drug manufacturing. In cosmetics, it supports the development of formulations requiring alcohol-based solvents. In agriculture, it is incorporated into some pesticide preparations, where it serves as a dissolving medium for active ingredients.
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Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Household Products
Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3
Food Additives
As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4
Fuel
More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.
Safety Information
Safe handling of propanol is essential for workplaces and laboratories. Its flammability and toxicological profile require established precautions to protect both people and facilities.
Hazards & Precautions
Propanol is classified as a highly flammable liquid and vapor. Contact can irritate the eyes, while inhalation of vapors irritates the respiratory tract. Long or repeated skin exposure may cause drying or irritation. At elevated concentrations, ingestion or inhalation may lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, or coordination loss due to central nervous system depression.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When working with propanol, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is an essential safeguard. Because the solvent is flammable and may cause irritation through skin, eye, or respiratory exposure, protective measures reduce the likelihood of accidents and health risks. Selecting the correct equipment also ensures compliance with workplace safety standards and promotes safe handling across laboratory, industrial, and storage environments.
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles should always be worn to prevent accidental splashes from contacting the eyes.
- Skin Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or butyl rubber, along with protective clothing, are recommended to prevent irritation from prolonged contact.
- Respiratory Protection: When ventilation is insufficient or airborne concentrations exceed exposure limits, use a NIOSH-approved respirator equipped with an organic vapor cartridge.
- Ventilation: Adequate general and local exhaust ventilation must be in place to maintain safe air levels and reduce vapor buildup in enclosed areas.
Storage Guidelines
Propanol must be stored with attention to both fire safety and chemical compatibility. Containers should be kept tightly sealed in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas. Storage areas must be protected from heat, sparks, flames, and incompatible materials. Equipment should be properly grounded to prevent static discharge during transfer or handling.
Spill & Disposal Procedures
In case of a spill, all ignition sources must be removed at once. For small spills, inert absorbents such as sand or vermiculite should be used, and the waste placed in sealed containers. Larger spills require containment, such as diking, and pumping the liquid into suitable vessels.
Prevent release into drains or waterways to avoid environmental damage. Disposal of both propanol and contaminated materials must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Working with a licensed waste management service ensures compliance and safety.
For more detailed information, including first aid instructions, ecological data, and regulatory compliance, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Propanol.
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Personal Care Products
Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.
Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Household Products
Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3
Food Additives
As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4
Fuel
More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.
Grades and Pack Sizes
Propanol is readily available through chemical suppliers in grades and volumes tailored to different needs. Selecting the right grade and quantity depends on the specific requirements of laboratory research, industrial processes, or commercial production.
Available Grades & Purities
- ACS Reagent Grade: ≥99.5% purity, meeting American Chemical Society standards for analytical and general laboratory use.
- HPLC Grade: ≥99% purity, prepared to minimize impurities for sensitive analytical applications.
- Laboratory/Technical Grade: ≥99% purity, suitable for general laboratory and industrial uses where high analytical purity is not required.
- Industrial Grade: For large-scale industrial processes with less stringent purity demands.
Pack Sizes & Bulk Options
- Small quantities: 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2.5 L, and 4 L bottles for laboratory work.
- Intermediate quantities: 5-gallon carboys, 19 L and 20 L containers.
- Bulk: 55-gallon drums, 275-gallon totes, and full bulk tankers for industrial scale.
For premium-quality propanol in a variety of grades and pack sizes, Lab Alley offers reliable, lab-tested options to meet the needs of industrial operations, research facilities, and manufacturers.
Our products are backed by detailed documentation, responsive customer support, and nationwide shipping to ensure you receive the right material for your application. Contact our sales team for quotes, bulk pricing, or Certificates of Analysis.