1-propanol is used as a solvent in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, polishes, dental lotions, coatings, lacquers, printing inks, natural gums, pigments, intermediates, dye solutions, antifreeze, fuel additives, paint additives and de-greasing fluids.
Applications of N Propanol
N Propanol is used as a building block for the production of esters, propyl amines and halides. Due to its relatively low odour and inertness compared to other alcohols, it is frequently used in food packaging and other food contact applications. It is widely used in the coatings industry due to its ability to improve the drying characteristics of resins and finishes.
N propanol is used in a great many other applications due to its excellent solvent properties, such as printing ink, dispersing agents, pesticides and adhesives. It is used as an additive in cleaners, floor polishes and degreasing fluids and as a component of de-icing agents.
Propanol belongs to the primary type of alcohol. The chemical formula of propanol is CH3CH2CH2OH. This is a colourless liquid and is also sometimes called propan-1-ol, n-propyl alcohol, 1-propyl alcohol, or n-propanol. Meanwhile, propanol was first discovered in 1853 by Gustave C. B. Chancel while conducting fractional distillation of fusel oil.
As such, propanol is a major constituent of fusel oil. Propanol is usually produced industrially by catalytic hydrogenation of propionaldehyde. This alcohol is also formed naturally in smaller quantities during fermentation. It is mainly used as a solvent in different industries and in pharma mainly for resins and cellulose esters. Further, propanol usually depicts normal reactions of primary alcohol and thus it can be converted to alkyl halides.
Primary Uses of Propanol
There are several potential uses of propanol and we will discuss them below:
As a Solvent/Intermediate
In medical Use
In Cosmetics
As a Fuel
Uses of Propanol as a solvent/intermediate
Most commonly propanol is used as a solvent or it is used to produce other solvents such as antifreeze, lacquer formulations, soaps, dye solutions, window cleaners and more. Compounds of propanol like isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol are most commonly used in the printing industry and in printing ink. Propanol acts as a chemical intermediate in the process of creating halides, propyl amines and propyl acetate.
Uses of Propanol in medical field
- Propanol is used in various medicines.
- Bottles of rubbing alcohol are mostly made up of propanol.
- Propanol is also used as an antiseptic.
- Propanol is found in hand sanitisers whether it is in the form of solutions or wipes.
- Propanol is often used in inhalant products mostly in nebulizers instead of ethanol.
Uses of Propanol in cosmetics
Propanol is usually one of the main constituents of different cosmetics. Acetate is used as a remover for acrylic nails and fingernail polish. It is also used in perfumes.
Uses of Propanol as a fuel
It has been found that propanol is a flammable liquid and has a fire hazard rating of 2. It has a high octane number and is quite suitable for engine fuel usage.
While its main use is acting as solvent other applications and uses of propanol are growing significantly in different parts of the world. Besides, propanol is a much safer chemical to use than other synthetic alcohol solutions.
These are some popular uses of propanol. To know more about the properties, structure and types of alcohol you can keep visiting BYJU’s or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
