n-PROPANOL
Paint chemicals 2025-03-21
It is the by-product of aldolization and hydrogenation reaction between acryl alcohol and carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is a kind of medium volatile colorless liquid with the odor of alcohols, soluble in water, alcohols and ethers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CH₃CH₂CH₂OH |
| Key Applications | – Solvents: Coatings, inks – Intermediates: Esters/ethers synthesis – Disinfectants: Hospital-grade sanitizers – Food Grade: Flavor extracts |
| Physical Properties | – Boiling Point: 97.2°C – Flash Point: 15°C (closed cup) – Miscibility: Fully soluble in water – Vapor Pressure: 4.4kPa @20°C |
| Safety Parameters | – NFPA Ratings: Health=1, Flammability=3, Reactivity=0 – Exposure Limits: TWA 200ppm (OSHA) – Ingestion Hazards: Central nervous system depression – Storage: Cool, well-ventilated area |
| Environmental Profile | – Biodegradability: 96% (OECD 301F) – Aquatic LC50: >100mg/L (Daphnia) – Global Warming Potential: Low (no significant contribution) – Waste Treatment: Biological wastewater plants |
| Quality Standards | – Purity: ≥99.5% (GC analysis) – Impurities: Water <0.2%, Isopropanol <0.1% – Color: APHA <10 |
| Market Dynamics | – Demand Drivers: Pharmaceutical APIs, eco-friendly solvents – Price Volatility: Linked to crude oil/natural gas feedstocks – Sustainability Trends: Bio-based production via fermentation |
| Regulatory Compliance | – REACH: Registered under 01-2119457575-38 – TSCA: Listed on Inventory – Food Contact: FDA 21 CFR §175.300 compliant |
Note: Balancing cost-effectiveness with growing environmental regulations. Emerging as preferred solvent in green chemistry applications due to ready biodegradability.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₈O |
| Boiling Point | 97°C |
| Density | 0.803 g/cm³ (20°C) |
| Flash Point | 22°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Fully miscible with most organic solvents |
Comparison with C1-C4 Alcohols
| Alcohol | Carbon Atoms | Boiling Point (°C) | Main Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methanol | 1 | 64.7 | Fuel, formaldehyde |
| Ethanol | 2 | 78.4 | Beverages, disinfectants |
| n-Propanol | 3 | 97.0 | Solvent, pharmaceuticals |
| n-Butanol | 4 | 117.7 | Coatings, plasticizers |
Industrial Applications
Major Uses
| Industry | Application | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | Extraction solvent | Low toxicity profile |
| Printing Inks | Carrier solvent | Controlled evaporation rate |
| Cleaning Products | Degreasing formulations | Effective oil removal |
| Cosmetics | Lotions and perfumes | Good skin tolerance |
| Chemical Synthesis | Ester production | High reaction yield |
Safety & Handling
Flammability: Class IB flammable liquid (NFPA)
Health Effects: Mild irritant (eyes/skin); high exposure may cause drowsiness
Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers away from heat sources
Environmental: Readily biodegradable (BOD5/COD = 0.65)
Production Methods
Oxo Process (major industrial route)
Hydrogenation of Propionaldehyde
Fermentation (emerging bio-based production)
Conclusion
n-Propanol’s versatile solvent properties and favorable safety profile ensure its continued importance across industries. Future developments may focus on sustainable production methods and expanded pharmaceutical applications.
