N-Propanol

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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.
Description
Table of Contents

N-Propanol

Primary Uses

1. Printing Inks and Graphic Arts
  • Solvent in flexographic and gravure printing ink formulations due to its excellent solvency, mild odor profile, and rapid evaporation rate
  • Used in overprint varnishes and coating systems for packaging applications
  • Component in fountain solutions for lithographic printing processes
2. Paints and Coatings
  • Solvent in industrial coatings, wood finishes, and automotive refinish paints where controlled evaporation is required
  • Used in coil coatings, can coatings, and metal decorating applications
  • Coalescing agent in water-based coating formulations
3. Cleaning and Detergent Chemicals
  • Industrial degreasing solvent for removing oils, greases, and fluxes from metal surfaces and electronic components
  • Component in precision cleaning formulations for optics, lenses, and medical devices
  • Used in household and industrial hard surface cleaners
4. Specialty and Fine Chemicals
  • Chemical intermediate in the production of n-propyl acetate, n-propyl amines, and n-propyl halides
  • Feedstock for the synthesis of propyl parabens used as preservatives
  • Solvent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and dyestuffs
5. Cosmetic and Personal Care Chemicals
  • Solvent in fragrances, hair care products, and skin care formulations where rapid evaporation is desired
  • Used as a viscosity-reducing agent in cosmetic formulations

Secondary Uses

1. Laboratory Chemicals
  • General purpose solvent for chemical synthesis, extraction, and chromatography applications
  • Used as a cleaning solvent for laboratory glassware and equipment
2. Pharmaceutical Chemicals
  • Processing solvent in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates
  • Used in tablet coating formulations where rapid drying is required
3. Electronics Industry
  • Cleaning solvent for printed circuit boards and electronic components
  • Used in the formulation of photoresist strippers and developer solutions
4. Adhesives and Sealants
  • Solvent for pressure-sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, and laminating adhesives
  • Used to adjust viscosity in adhesive formulations
5. Textile Chemicals
  • Scouring and cleaning agent for textile processing
  • Used in dyeing and finishing applications as a solvent carrier
6. Agricultural Chemicals
  • Co-solvent in pesticide and herbicide formulations
  • Used in the synthesis of certain crop protection chemicals
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Propan-1-ol
  • Common/Trade Name: N-Propanol; n-Propyl Alcohol; 1-Propanol; Propyl Alcohol
  • CAS Number: 71-23-8
  • HS Code: 2905.12
  • Molecular Formula: C₃H₈O
  • Molecular Weight: 60.10 g/mol
  • Synonyms:
    • 1-Propyl alcohol
    • Ethyl carbinol
    • Optal
    • Osmosol extra

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Clear liquid
  • Color & Odor: Colorless; characteristic mild alcohol-like odor
  • Boiling Point: 97–98°C
  • Melting Point: -126°C
  • Flash Point: 15–23°C (closed cup)
  • Auto-ignition Temperature: 371°C
  • Density: 0.803–0.805 g/cm³ at 20°C
  • Vapor Pressure: 20 hPa at 20°C
  • Viscosity: 2.26 cP at 20°C
  • Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, diethyl ether, and most organic solvents
  • Evaporation Rate: 0.8 (n-butyl acetate = 1)
  • Surface Tension: 23.8 mN/m at 20°C
  • Refractive Index: 1.384–1.386 at 20°C
  • Purity: ≥ 99.5% (typical technical grade)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification:
    • H225: Highly flammable liquid and vapor
    • H318: Causes serious eye damage
    • H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness
  • Toxicity: Moderate acute toxicity; LD₅₀ oral rat: 1,870–2,800 mg/kg
  • Irritation: Causes serious eye irritation and may cause respiratory tract irritation
  • Exposure Limits:
    • OSHA PEL: 200 ppm (TWA)
    • ACGIH TLV: 200 ppm (TWA), 250 ppm (STEL)
  • Flammability: Highly flammable; vapor may form explosive mixtures with air

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • 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.
  • Container Type: Steel drums, HDPE drums, IBC totes, or bulk storage tanks
  • Shelf Life: 24–36 months when stored under recommended conditions
  • Handling Precautions:
    • Use explosion-proof electrical equipment
    • Ensure adequate ventilation or local exhaust
    • Avoid breathing vapors
    • Avoid contact with eyes and skin
    • Keep away from sources of ignition
  • Storage Measures: Store in a dedicated flammable liquids storage area; separate from oxidizing agents

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Regulatory Status:
    • TSCA (USA): Listed
    • DSL (Canada): Listed
    • EINECS/ELINCS (EU): 200-746-9
    • REACH: Registered for industrial use
    • FDA: 21 CFR 175.105, 175.300, 176.180 – approved for food-contact applications
  • Labeling Requirements: Must carry GHS flammable and health hazard pictograms
  • Transport Classification:
    • UN Number: 1274
    • Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
    • Packing Group: II

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301)
  • Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate toxicity to aquatic organisms; LC₅₀ fish: > 100 mg/L
  • Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation (log Kow = 0.25)
  • VOC Status: Volatile organic compound; subject to VOC regulations in many jurisdictions
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

1. Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required:
    • Eyes: Chemical splash goggles or face shield
    • Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, butyl rubber), chemical-resistant apron
    • Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved organic vapor respirator if ventilation is inadequate
    • Body: Flame-resistant clothing in handling areas
  • Handling Guidelines:
    • Use in well-ventilated areas with explosion-proof equipment
    • Ground all containers during transfer
    • Avoid generation of static electricity
    • Prevent release to environment
    • Do not use near open flames or hot surfaces
  • Storage Measures:
    • Store in approved flammable liquids storage cabinets or areas
    • Maintain temperature below 40°C
    • Keep away from strong oxidizing agents (peroxides, chromates, nitric acid)
    • Secondary containment recommended
  • Hygiene Practices:
    • Wash hands thoroughly after handling
    • Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
    • Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas

2. First Aid Measures

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Flash Point: 15–23°C
  • Auto-ignition Temperature: 371°C
  • Flammable Limits: Lower: 2.1%; Upper: 13.5%
  • Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or fog
  • Special Firefighting Procedures:
    • Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
    • Use water spray to cool exposed containers and disperse vapors
    • Fight fire from protected location or maximum distance
    • Contain firefighting runoff to prevent environmental contamination
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acrid smoke