isopropyl alcohol
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Definition
Noun: 1. A colorless, flammable chemical compound: Isopropyl alcohol is a secondary alcohol with the chemical formula C₃H₈O. It is a clear, volatile liquid with a strong odor. 2. A common disinfectant and antiseptic: It is widely used to clean skin before injections and to disinfect surfaces and medical equipment. 3. A solvent and antifreeze agent: It is used in industrial and household applications to dissolve other substances and to lower the freezing point of water-based solutions.
Usage Examples
- As a disinfectant:
- The nurse cleaned the patient's arm with isopropyl alcohol before giving the vaccination.
- For first aid, apply isopropyl alcohol to the wound to prevent infection.
- As a solvent or cleaning agent:
- Isopropyl alcohol is effective for removing adhesive residue from glass.
- The technician used isopropyl alcohol to clean the electronic components.
- In a general context:
- The laboratory keeps a large stock of isopropyl alcohol for various procedures.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Industrial Context: In chemistry and manufacturing, isopropyl alcohol is often referred to by its abbreviation, IPA. It is a key ingredient in many inks, resins, and cleaning products.
- The purity of the IPA used in the semiconductor industry must be extremely high.
- Medical Context: It is a standard component in medical swabs and prep pads.
- The doctor opened an alcohol prep pad containing 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Variants and Related Words
- Isopropanol (n): This is the systematic IUPAC name for the same chemical compound. The terms "isopropyl alcohol" and "isopropanol" are used interchangeably.
- Isopropanol is another name for isopropyl alcohol.
- Rubbing alcohol (n): A common household product that is typically a solution of isopropyl alcohol (usually 70%) in water, sometimes with added denaturants or color.
- Rubbing alcohol is often used for topical disinfection.
Synonyms
- Antiseptic alcohol: Highlights its germ-killing property.
- Surgical spirit (UK English): A term for a denatured alcohol solution used for sterilization, often containing isopropyl alcohol.
- 2-propanol: A synonym based on its chemical structure.
Related Phrases
- IPA solution: A phrase specifying a liquid mixture where isopropyl alcohol is the primary active ingredient.
- The IPA solution was prepared at a 90% concentration for the experiment.
- Alcohol swab: A small pad pre-moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
- Use an alcohol swab to disinfect the area.
Notes on Meaning
- Core Meaning: The primary meaning refers to the specific chemical compound, C₃H₈O.
- Contextual Meaning: Its meaning is heavily dependent on context:
- In a medical context, it implies a disinfectant.
- In a technical context, it implies a solvent or reagent.
- In a household context, it is often synonymous with "rubbing alcohol" used for cleaning.
Noun
- alcohol used as antifreeze or a solvent