ABSTRACT
Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol or 2-propanol) is a threecarbon alcohol used as an industrial solvent and that also has found many uses in medicine. It is an ingredient in rubbing alcohol; various cosmetics, such as aftershaves, perfumes, and colognes; skin disinfectants, aerosol prod ucts, de-icing and antifreeze preparations, and hair tonics (Table 37-1) (1). Rubbing alcohol may contain either ethanol or isopropanol in concentrations of 70%-90% (2). Isopropyl alcohol is also an ingredient in mouth washes and solvent mixtures. This alcohol is a clear, col orless, volatile liquid that has an odor different from that of ethanol and a distinctly disagreeable bitter taste except when highly diluted ( 1 ,2 ).
