70% Isopropyl alcohol vs. 99% Isopropyl alcohol: Which Is Better for Your Application?
Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol, IPA, or Isopropanol) is an industrial, laboratory, and cleaning product. IPA is applied in some processes, like dissolution, disinfection, and industrial sanitation.
However, when choosing Isopropyl alcohol 70% or Isopropyl alcohol 99%, many people tend to be confused. Both are great cleaning and solvent solutions, but they differ in their makeup and benefits.
In this blog, we are going to discuss the differences between IPA 70% vs. IPA 99%, its uses, why both IPAs differ from each other for cleaning & industrial usages, and which is best for you?
What Is Isopropyl Alcohol?
Isopropyl alcohol (Isopropanol) is a volatile clear colorless liquid with excellent solvent and disinfecting properties. It is used as a common cleaning and sanitizing agent, as well as a laboratory and processing agent in industries.
The percentage of IPA is the percentage of pure alcohol in the mixture.
Isopropyl alcohol 70% is a mixture of 70% pure IPA and 30% purified water.
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% is isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with low water content and 99% alcohol. Both concentrations are good for cleaning and use as solvents, but for different purposes.
Isopropyl Alcohol 70% - The Best Disinfectant.
When it comes to disinfection and sanitization, 70% IPA is considered the better option. The increased water reduces evaporation, thus prolonging the time the alcohol stays on the surface and reaches bacteria and viruses.
Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol 70%
Advantages of Isopropyl Alcohol 70%
Isopropyl alcohol 70% is a highly antimicrobial compound that is an important disinfectant in the laboratory, workplace and home.
Isopropyl Alcohol 99%: High-purity industrial cleaner.
Nearly pure Isopropanol is described as 99% IPA due to its high speed of evaporation and the minimal amount of residue left behind. Used primarily in laboratory, electronics, manufacturing and industrial environments where moisture may impact processes or equipment used.
Isopropyl Alcohol 99% is used in a variety of applications such as:
Advantages of Isopropyl Alcohol 99%
Differences Between IPA 70% vs. IPA 99%
The key Differences between IPA 70% vs. IPA 99% are the amount of water, the evaporation rate and the usage.
Isopropyl Alcohol (70%) has a higher water content, which is more effective as a disinfectant due to the slower evaporation rate that enables penetration of the microbial cells. That's why it is often recommended for sanitizing lab surfaces, health centers and for general cleaning.
Isopropyl alcohol 99% is on the other hand, is very low in water and evaporates rapidly. This is suitable for electronics cleaning, industrial degreasing, and precision laboratory uses in which moisture should be avoided. It will evaporate rapidly, however, and is not as efficient of a disinfectant as 70% IPA.
There is also a difference in terms of skin compatibility. 70% IPA is generally safe for general use on skin, but 99% IPA can cause dryness or irritation on repeated contact. The recommended concentration of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning is 70%.
Where to Buy Isopropyl Alcohol in the USA
When looking for where to buy Isopropyl Alcohol in the USA, make sure that you have a trusted supplier, Chemical World, who can offer you high-quality and lab-quality chemicals that can be used in professional applications.
Isopropyl alcohol 70% and Isopropyl alcohol 99% are both readily available from Chemical World and commonly used in the laboratory, industry, and research
Final Thoughts
Isopropyl alcohol 70% and Isopropyl alcohol 99% are both vital chemicals that are found in the laboratory, in the industry, in medical applications and for cleaning purposes. The selection will depend on your needs.
70% IPA is the preferred disinfectant for sanitization and germ removal.
99% IPA is better suited for electronics, precision and industrial cleaning applications.
It is important to know the difference between IPA 70 % and IPA 99 % for better performance, safety and efficiency when choosing a product.
FAQs
Disclaimer: All the information on this blog is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. The information contained in this blog might be provided on an “as is” based on Wikipedia, Google, and other scientific articles. We are not liable for any injuries or damages for the use of the information. Please do your own research before you use this information for any purpose.
