Propanol

What is Propanol?

Propanol is one of the most common types of alcohol. Propanol has the formula CH₃CH₂CH₂OH. Propan-1-ol, n-propyl alcohol, 1-propyl alcohol, or n-propanol are all names for this colourless oil.

Alcohols are those organic compounds which are characterised by the presence of one, two or more hydroxyl groups (−OH) that are attached to the carbon atom in an alkyl group or hydrocarbon chain.

Pharmaceuticals, floor polishes, dental lotions, lacquers, printing inks, natural gums, pigments, intermediates, dye solutions, antifreeze, gasoline additives, paint additives, and degreasing fluids all use propanol as a solvent. Propanol has low acute toxicity for animals when administered via the dermal, inhalation, or oral routes; it is not irritating to the skin, and dermal absorption is expected to be sluggish. n-Propanol is easily metabolized and has no carcinogenic or mutagenic properties.

Table of Contents

• Propanol Structure
• Preparation of Propanol
• General Properties of Propanol
• Difference between n-propyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol
• Uses of Propanol
• Propanol Health Hazards
• Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Propanol Structure

Propanol is one of the most common types of alcohol. Propanol has the formula CH₃CH₂CH₂OH. Propan-1-ol, n-propyl alcohol, 1-propyl alcohol, or n-propanol are all names of this colourless oil. 

IUPAC Name – propan-1-ol

Preparation of Propanol

From Propionaldehyde

Propionaldehyde is catalytically hydrogenated to produce 1-propanol. Propionaldehyde is made by hydroformylation ethylene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst like cobalt octacarbonyl or a rhodium complex in the oxo phase.

H₂C=CH₂ + CO + H₂ → CH₃CH₂CH=O

CH₃CH₂CH=O + H₂ → CH₃CH₂CH₂OH

The synthesis of methanol (methyl alcohol) from carbon monoxide and hydrogen produces propyl alcohol as a by-product. It can also be found in fusel oil. It is most commonly used as a solvent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as in lacquer preparation. Propyl alcohol is a colourless, flammable, and aromatic liquid that is miscible in all proportions with water and is moderately toxic.

General Properties of Propanol

Some general properties of propanol are given below.

Difference between n-propyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol

Propyl alcohol, also known as n-propyl alcohol or 1-propanol, is one of two isomeric alcohols used in chemical processing as solvents and intermediates. Isopropyl alcohol is the second isomer (2-propanol).

Position isomerism can be seen in n-propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol. Constitutional isomers have the same carbon skeleton and functional groups, but the functional groups are in different places. The OH group is present on the first C atom in n-propyl alcohol. The OH group is present on the second C atom in isopropyl alcohol. When heated with I2 and NaOH solution, isopropyl alcohol produces a yellow iodoform precipitate, while n-propyl does not. 

1-butanol, primary alcohol, 2-butanol, secondary alcohol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, tertiary alcohol, and phenol are the four known alcohols. 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 2-methyl-2-butanol, and para-chlorophenol are the four possible unknown alcohols.

Uses of Propanol

• Propanol is used as a solvent or to make other solvents including antifreezes, lacquer formulas, soaps, dye solutions, and window cleaners. In the printing industry and in printing ink, propanol compounds such as isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol are most widely used.
• In pharmaceutics, hospitals, clean rooms, and electronics or medical device manufacturing, propanol is the most popular and widely used disinfectant.
• Tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension (high blood pressure), heart rhythm problems, and other heart or circulatory issues are treated with propranolol. It’s also used to treat or avoid heart attacks, as well as to lessen the severity and frequency of migraines.
• Propyl alcohol, also known as n-propyl alcohol or 1-propanol, is one of two isomeric alcohols used in chemical processing as solvents and intermediates.
• It is most commonly used as a solvent in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as well as in lacquer preparation. It produces a variety of esters and ethers, some of which are commercially valuable.

Propanol Health Hazards

• Based on the available data, propanol has a low toxicity for human health endpoints (including developmental and reproductive effects).
• Drying and cracking of the skin may occur as a result of repeated skin exposure. Propyl Alcohol can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. Headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting are also possible side effects of high concentrations. Propyl alcohol will damage the liver.
• There’s a chance that your eyes will be seriously damaged. Inhalation can have a negative impact on the central nervous system. It’s possible that it’ll irritate the respiratory tract. If inhaled, it could be dangerous.
• Ingesting 1-propanol can cause depression in the central nervous system (CNS), which can lead to death. Confusion, reduced consciousness, and slowed pulse and breathing are all symptoms of 1-propanol poisoning. Since propanol is poisonous to humans, it is not used in hand sanitizer.