N-Propanol
N-Propanol, also known as n-Propyl Alcohol or 1-Propanol, is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a characteristic mild alcohol-like odor. It is a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O, fully miscible with water and common organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, ethers, glycols, and hydrocarbons. This high-purity, semi-volatile, polar solvent serves as both a versatile solvent and a chemical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. N-Propanol has a flash point of 15–23°C and is classified as a highly flammable liquid. Technical grade N-Propanol is manufactured for industrial applications and is not intended for direct human consumption unless specifically certified as USP or Food Grade.
N-Propanol
Primary Uses
1. Printing Inks and Graphic Arts
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Solvent in flexographic and gravure printing ink formulations due to its excellent solvency, mild odor profile, and rapid evaporation rate
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Used in overprint varnishes and coating systems for packaging applications
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Component in fountain solutions for lithographic printing processes
2. Paints and Coatings
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Solvent in industrial coatings, wood finishes, and automotive refinish paints where controlled evaporation is required
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Used in coil coatings, can coatings, and metal decorating applications
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Coalescing agent in water-based coating formulations
3. Cleaning and Detergent Chemicals
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Industrial degreasing solvent for removing oils, greases, and fluxes from metal surfaces and electronic components
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Component in precision cleaning formulations for optics, lenses, and medical devices
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Used in household and industrial hard surface cleaners
4. Specialty and Fine Chemicals
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Chemical intermediate in the production of n-propyl acetate, n-propyl amines, and n-propyl halides
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Feedstock for the synthesis of propyl parabens used as preservatives
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Solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyestuffs
5. Cosmetic and Personal Care Chemicals
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Solvent in fragrances, hair care products, and skin care formulations where rapid evaporation is desired
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Used as a viscosity-reducing agent in cosmetic formulations
Secondary Uses
1. Laboratory Chemicals
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General purpose solvent for chemical synthesis, extraction, and chromatography applications
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Used as a cleaning solvent for laboratory glassware and equipment
2. Pharmaceutical Chemicals
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Processing solvent in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates
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Used in tablet coating formulations where rapid drying is required
3. Electronics Industry
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Cleaning solvent for printed circuit boards and electronic components
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Used in the formulation of photoresist strippers and developer solutions
4. Adhesives and Sealants
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Solvent for pressure-sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, and laminating adhesives
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Used to adjust viscosity in adhesive formulations
5. Textile Chemicals
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Scouring and cleaning agent for textile processing
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Used in dyeing and finishing applications as a solvent carrier
6. Agricultural Chemicals
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Co-solvent in pesticide and herbicide formulations
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Used in the synthesis of certain crop protection chemicals
1. Basic Identification Attributes
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Chemical Name (IUPAC): Propan-1-ol
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Common/Trade Name: N-Propanol; n-Propyl Alcohol; 1-Propanol; Propyl Alcohol
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CAS Number: 71-23-8
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HS Code: 2905.12
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Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O
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Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
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Synonyms:
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1-Propyl alcohol
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Ethyl carbinol
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Optal
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Osmosol extra
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2. Physical & Chemical Properties
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Physical State: Clear liquid
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Color & Odor: Colorless; characteristic mild alcohol-like odor
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Boiling Point: 97–98°C
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Melting Point: -126°C
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Flash Point: 15–23°C (closed cup)
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Auto-ignition Temperature: 371°C
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Density: 0.803–0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C
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Vapor Pressure: 20 hPa at 20°C
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Viscosity: 2.26 cP at 20°C
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Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and most organic solvents
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Evaporation Rate: 0.8 (n-butyl acetate = 1)
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Surface Tension: 23.8 mN/m at 20°C
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Refractive Index: 1.384–1.386 at 20°C
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Purity: ≥ 99.5% (typical technical grade)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
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GHS Classification:
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H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
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H318: Causes serious eye damage
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H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness
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Toxicity: Moderate acute toxicity; LD₅₀ oral rat: 1,870–2,800 mg/kg
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Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation and may cause respiratory tract irritation
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Exposure Limits:
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OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (TWA)
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ACGIH TLV: 200 ppm (TWA), 250 ppm (STEL)
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Flammability: Highly flammable; vapor may form explosive mixtures with air
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
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Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks, and open flames. Ground containers during transfer to prevent static discharge.
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Container Type: Steel drums, HDPE drums, IBC totes, or bulk storage tanks
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Shelf Life: 24–36 months when stored under recommended conditions
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Handling Precautions:
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Use explosion-proof electrical equipment
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Ensure adequate ventilation or local exhaust
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Avoid breathing vapors
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Avoid contact with eyes and skin
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Keep away from sources of ignition
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Storage Measures: Store in a dedicated flammable liquids storage area; separate from oxidizing agents
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
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Regulatory Status:
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TSCA (USA): Listed
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DSL (Canada): Listed
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EINECS/ELINCS (EU): 200-746-9
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REACH: Registered for industrial use
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FDA: 21 CFR 175.105, 175.300, 176.180 – approved for food-contact applications
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Labeling Requirements: Must carry GHS flammable and health hazard pictograms
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Transport Classification:
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UN Number: 1274
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Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
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Packing Group: II
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6. Environmental & Health Impact
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Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301)
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Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ fish: > 100 mg/L
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Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation (log Kow = 0.25)
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VOC Status: Volatile organic compound; subject to VOC regulations in many jurisdictions
1. Safety Handling Precautions
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PPE Required:
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Eyes: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
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Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), chemical-resistant apron
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Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator if ventilation is inadequate
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Body: Flame-resistant clothing in handling areas
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Handling Guidelines:
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Use in well-ventilated areas with explosion-proof equipment
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Ground all containers during transfer
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Avoid generation of static electricity
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Prevent release to environment
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Do not use near open flames or hot surfaces
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Storage Measures:
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Store in approved flammable liquids storage cabinets or areas
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Maintain temperature below 40°C
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Keep away from strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, chromates, nitric acid)
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Secondary containment recommended
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Hygiene Practices:
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Wash hands thoroughly after handling
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Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
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Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas
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2. First Aid Measures
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Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If not breathing, perform artificial respiration. Seek medical attention if symptoms (dizziness, drowsiness, headache) persist.
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Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Rinse skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
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Eye Contact: Immediately rinse eyes with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek immediate medical attention.
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Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs naturally, keep head low to prevent aspiration. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Firefighting Measures
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Fire Hazards: Highly flammable liquid and vapor. Vapor may travel to distant ignition sources and flash back. Vapors are heavier than air and may accumulate in low areas.
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Flash Point: 15–23°C
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Auto-ignition Temperature: 371°C
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Flammable Limits: Lower: 2.1%; Upper: 13.5%
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Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or fog
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Special Firefighting Procedures:
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Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
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Use water spray to cool exposed containers and disperse vapors
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Fight fire from protected location or maximum distance
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Contain firefighting runoff to prevent environmental contamination
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Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrid smoke
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