Isopropyl Alcohol FAQ: 15 Questions About 70% & 99% IPA

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is one of the most common solvents and disinfectants in clinical, industrial and electronics use. Below are direct answers to the 15 questions most often asked about IPA.

What is isopropyl alcohol?

A clear, colourless, volatile organic solvent — chemical formula (CH₃)₂CHOH. Miscible with water and most organic solvents. Sold dominantly at 70% (disinfection) and 99% (technical / electronics) on the Indian market.

What is the difference between 70% and 99% IPA?

70% IPA contains 30% water. 99% IPA is near-pure isopropanol. They look identical but behave very differently — 70% disinfects better, 99% cleans electronics better.

Which kills germs better, 70% or 99% IPA?

70%. The water slows evaporation and lets the alcohol penetrate microbial cell walls. 99% evaporates so fast that microbes are dehydrated on the outside before alcohol reaches the cytoplasm.

Can I use 70% IPA to clean electronics?

Not ideal. The 30% water can corrode contacts and leave residue. Use 99% IPA for electronics; let it fully evaporate before powering up.

Can I use IPA on my skin?

Yes, for short use as a disinfectant. Prolonged contact dries and defats skin — use moisturiser if you are wiping repeatedly throughout the day.

Is IPA flammable?

Yes — strongly. Flash point is around 12°C for 99% IPA. Treat it as a flammable solvent: no smoking, no open flames, no sparks near open containers.

How should I store IPA?

In a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat and ignition sources. Tightly capped. Vapour is denser than air and collects at floor level, which matters for bulk storage.

How long does opened IPA last?

Tightly capped and stored cool, 12 months easily. Loosely capped or warm, alcohol evaporates preferentially leaving a water-rich, weaker solution.

Is IPA safe during pregnancy?

Brief topical or surface-cleaning use is generally considered safe. Avoid prolonged inhalation of strong vapour. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for specifics.

Is IPA safe around babies?

Topical use on adult hands or surfaces is fine. Direct application to infant skin is not recommended for routine use, and ingestion is dangerous — keep bottles out of reach.

Can I drink IPA?

No. IPA is toxic if ingested, even in small amounts. Treat any swallowing as a medical emergency.

What's the difference between IPA, surgical spirit, and methylated spirit?

IPA is pure isopropanol + water. Surgical spirit is denatured ethanol or IPA blend for topical use. Methylated spirit is ethanol denatured with methanol — industrial and not for skin use.

What's a good wholesale price?

Mid-2026 Indian wholesale: 70% IPA 500 ml ₹100–160; 99% IPA 500 ml ₹150–250; 99% IPA 5 L ₹1,200–2,000 [VERIFY against current quote]. Prices track global propylene feedstock.

What surfaces should I not use IPA on?

Painted surfaces (strips paint), natural rubber and certain plastics (solvent attack), polished wood (damages finish), open wounds (stings, no benefit over saline).

Where do bulk buyers source IPA in India?

From licensed specialty chemical manufacturers and authorised distributors. Bulk SKUs ship in HDPE jerry cans or drums under dangerous-goods rules.

Pioma Chemtech, a specialty chemical manufacturer based in India, supplies IPA 70% and 99% in commercial pack sizes for industrial, clinical and institutional use. Contact us for grade-specific pricing and samples.

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 Pioma Chemtech, a specialty chemical manufacturer based in India, supplies ultrasound gel for bulk and commercial use — available across the standard pack range. Contact us for pricing and samples.