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70 Isopropyl vs. 99 Isopropyl

What's the Difference?

Both 70 Isopropyl and 99 Isopropyl are commonly used as disinfectants and cleaning agents. The main difference between the two is their alcohol content, with 99 Isopropyl containing a higher concentration of alcohol than 70 Isopropyl. This means that 99 Isopropyl is more effective at killing bacteria and viruses, making it a better choice for disinfecting surfaces. However, 70 Isopropyl is gentler on the skin and is often used in first aid applications. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the specific cleaning or disinfecting needs.

Comparison

Attribute70 Isopropyl99 Isopropyl
Concentration70%99%
Common usesCleaning wounds, disinfecting surfacesCleaning electronics, removing sticky residue
Evaporation rateSlowerFaster
FlammabilityLess flammableMore flammable

Further Detail

Introduction

Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a common household item that is used for a variety of purposes. It is a versatile solvent that can be used for cleaning, disinfecting, and even as a fuel additive. Isopropyl alcohol comes in different concentrations, with 70% and 99% being the most common. In this article, we will compare the attributes of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol to help you determine which one is best for your needs.

Effectiveness

One of the main differences between 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol is their effectiveness as a disinfectant. 99% isopropyl alcohol is more effective at killing bacteria and viruses compared to 70% isopropyl alcohol. This is because higher concentrations of isopropyl alcohol have a stronger antimicrobial effect. If you are looking for a disinfectant that is more potent, 99% isopropyl alcohol would be the better choice.

Evaporation Rate

Another difference between 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol is their evaporation rate. 99% isopropyl alcohol evaporates more quickly compared to 70% isopropyl alcohol. This can be beneficial if you are using isopropyl alcohol for cleaning purposes and want a quick drying time. However, the fast evaporation rate of 99% isopropyl alcohol can also make it more difficult to use for certain applications where a longer drying time is needed.

Safety

When it comes to safety, 70% isopropyl alcohol is considered to be safer than 99% isopropyl alcohol. This is because the lower concentration of isopropyl alcohol in 70% solutions is less likely to cause skin irritation or dryness. Additionally, 70% isopropyl alcohol is less flammable compared to 99% isopropyl alcohol. If you are concerned about safety when using isopropyl alcohol, 70% would be the better option.

Cost

Cost is another factor to consider when choosing between 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol. Generally, 70% isopropyl alcohol is less expensive compared to 99% isopropyl alcohol. This is because the higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol in 99% solutions requires more processing and purification, which adds to the cost. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, 70% isopropyl alcohol would be the better choice.

Applications

Both 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol have a wide range of applications. 70% isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for cleaning surfaces, disinfecting wounds, and as a solvent for removing oils and greases. On the other hand, 99% isopropyl alcohol is often used for more specialized applications such as cleaning electronics, preparing surfaces for painting, and as a solvent for laboratory experiments. The choice between 70% and 99% isopropyl alcohol will depend on the specific application you have in mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both 70% isopropyl alcohol and 99% isopropyl alcohol have their own set of attributes that make them suitable for different purposes. 99% isopropyl alcohol is more effective as a disinfectant and evaporates quickly, but it is also more expensive and less safe compared to 70% isopropyl alcohol. On the other hand, 70% isopropyl alcohol is safer, more cost-effective, and has a wider range of applications. Ultimately, the choice between 70% and 99% isopropyl alcohol will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

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