Basic Information

Chinese Name:正丙醇

English Name:1-Propanol

Chemical Formula：C₃H₈O

Molecular Weight：60.10 g/mol

Appearance & Odor：Colorless transparent liquid, with a slight alcoholic odor, volatile

Boiling Point: 97.2 °C (normal pressure, no decomposition under normal boiling)

Melting Point: -126.5 °C

Density: 0.803 g/cm³ (20 °C)

Flash Point: 15 °C (closed cup), Flammable

Solubility in Water: Miscible with water in any proportion; soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone and most organic solvents

CAS No.：71-23-8

Synonyms：n-Propanol, Propan-1-ol, n-Propyl Alcohol

Solvent Properties

Solubility

As a polar aliphatic alcohol solvent, it is miscible with water in all ratios and forms a homogeneous transparent solution; it has excellent solubility for most organic compounds such as esters, ketones, aldehydes, and resins, and can also dissolve partial inorganic salts with low polarity.

Its solubility decreases slightly with the increase of temperature; the mixed solution with water has good stability and no delamination or crystallization under normal temperature and pressure.

Solvent Characteristics

It has strong volatility and can be used as a quick-drying solvent in coating and ink formulations to accelerate the film-forming speed of products.

It has good compatibility with other alcohols, ethers and ester solvents, and can be used as a mixed solvent to adjust the viscosity and volatility of the system.

Chemically stable at room temperature, not easy to oxidize; easy to undergo dehydration, esterification and oxidation reactions under the action of catalyst, acid or alkali.

Main Applications

Chemical Manufacturing Industry

Core raw material for the production of propyl acetate, propyl propionate and other ester solvents; used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides and fine chemical products such as surfactants.

As a solvent for organic synthesis, it is used in the preparation of various chemical products and as a reaction medium for organic reactions.

Coating & Ink Industry

Used as a solvent and diluent for alkyd resin coatings, acrylic coatings and water-based inks; it can adjust the drying speed and leveling property of coatings and inks, and improve the film-forming quality.

It is the main component of cleaning agents for coating and ink production equipment, which can effectively remove resin and paint film residues.

Pharmaceutical & Food Industry

Used as a solvent and extractant in the pharmaceutical industry for the extraction and purification of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and the preparation of pharmaceutical preparations.

As a food-grade solvent (in compliance with national food additive standards), it is used in the production of edible flavors and fragrances, and as a solvent for food packaging coating additives.

Other Fields

Used as a cleaning agent and degreasing agent in the electronic and mechanical industries to remove oil stains and organic residues on the surface of electronic components and metal parts.

As a fuel additive, it can improve the combustion performance of fuel; it is also used in the preparation of antifreeze and brake fluid additives.

Safety

Hazard Classifications

Flammable: Flammable liquid with low flash point, easy to form explosive mixture with air, and the explosion limit is 2.0%~13.5% (volume fraction).

Low Toxicity: Acute oral toxicity is low (rat LD₅₀ ≈1870 mg/kg); inhalation of high concentration vapor or long-term contact will cause certain harm to the human body.

Irritant: Has mild irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract; direct contact with high concentration will cause redness and swelling of skin and mucous membrane.

Handling Precautions

Operate in a well-ventilated and fire-proof environment, strictly prohibit open fire and smoking near the operation site; use explosion-proof electrical equipment and tools.

Wear anti-static rubber gloves, chemical safety goggles and anti-organic vapor mask to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes and inhalation of vapor.

Avoid mixing with strong oxidants (e.g., potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide), strong acids and strong alkalis to prevent violent chemical reactions and fire hazards.

Storage Requirements

Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated fire-proof warehouse, the storage temperature should be controlled below 30 °C, and keep away from heat sources, open fire and oxidants.

The packaging should be sealed with airtight metal drums or plastic drums to prevent volatilization and leakage; it should be stored separately from toxic, harmful and corrosive substances, and the storage area should be equipped with fire-fighting equipment such as dry powder fire extinguishers.

The shelf life is 12 months under sealed and proper storage conditions.

Emergency First Aid

Skin Contact: Immediately take off the contaminated clothing, rinse the affected area with plenty of flowing clear water for 10~15 minutes; if there is redness and swelling, apply anti-irritant ointment and seek medical attention if necessary.

Eye Contact: Quickly lift the eyelids, rinse with plenty of flowing water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes, and seek medical attention immediately regardless of mild discomfort.

Inhalation: Quickly move the victim to a place with fresh air, keep the airway unobstructed; if breathing is difficult, give oxygen supply, and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if breathing stops and seek medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Drink a large amount of warm water or milk for dilution, do not induce vomiting, and send to hospital for treatment immediately.