Uses Of Propanol: Definition, Preparation, Uses

Propanol is a colourless liquid which is miscible in water and common solvents such as ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, etc. The molecular formula of propanol is C₃H₈OH. Propanol is formed naturally as a by-product during the process of chemical fermentation.

Key Terms: Alcohol, Carbons, Ethanol, Propan-1, Ketones, Fuel, Medications, Aldehydes

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What Is Propanol?

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Propanol was discovered by Gustave C. B. Chancell in 1853 by fractional distillation of fusel oil. Other common names for propanol are propan-1-ol, 1-propyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, and n-propanol. 

Propanol is a clear, neutral, colourless liquid with a musty odour like rubbing alcohol which is miscible in water and in common solvents such as glycols, alcohols, aldehydes, aliphatic hydrocarbons and etc. 

The freezing point of propanol is -126 °C, and the flash point is 22 °C. Vapours of this liquid are heavier than air. Propanol mildly irritates the eyes, throat and nose when comes in contact with the body.

Propanol

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Preparation Of Propanol

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Propionaldehyde is catalytically hydrogenated to produce 1-propanol. Propionaldehyde is produced through either the oxo process or hydroformylation of ethylene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst such as cobalt octa carbonyl or rhodium complex.

A traditional laboratory preparation of propanol involves treating n-propyl iodide with moist silver oxide.

Propanol should always be stored under nitrogen and the storage temperature must not exceed 40°C or above. The area should be moisture-free. 

Under such strict ideal conditions of storage 12 to 14 months of shelf-life can be expected.

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Uses Of Propanol

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Propanol is used widely due to its high effects on the human body. Some of the most prominent uses are briefly specified below:

• As a Solvent - propanol is mainly used in printing flexographic ink. As a cleaning agent, it is added to floor polisher and metal degreasing. And in adhesive manufacture, propanol is used as an additional solvent. Being a solvent creates other solvents like antifreeze, lacquer formulas and so on.
• Medical Use - Propanol is counted as an important product in the medical world. It is used as antiseptic and found in hand sanitizer, bottles of rubbing alcohol, and wipes.

The tablets of propanol are used for treating and improving, supraventricular arrhythmias, Ventricular tachycardias, Tachyarrhythmias of digitalis intoxication, and resistant tachyarrhythmias due to excessive catecholamine action during anaesthesia and other conditions.

• Cosmetics - in cosmetics, nail paint remover, soaps, wipes and moisturizer contains propanol. 
• Fuel- propanol is highly flammable and comes under the category of hazard. Meanwhile, propanol is too expensive to be used as common fuel. 

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Things To Remember

• Propanol is formed naturally as a by-product during the process of chemical fermentation.
• Other common names for propanol are propan-1-ol, 1-propyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol, and n-propanol.
• A traditional laboratory preparation of propanol involves treating n-propyl iodide with moist silver oxide.
• The molecular formula of propanol is C₃H₈OH.
• Propanol is too expensive to be used as common fuel.

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