n-Propyl Alcohol vs Isopropyl Alcohol
Comprehensive comparison of n-Propyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol including physical properties, applications, safety considerations, and pricing. Alliance Chemical supplies both chemicals in various grades and concentrations.
Quick Comparison Summary
Physical & Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | n-Propyl Alcohol | Isopropyl Alcohol | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 97.2 °C | 82.6 °C | n-Propyl Alcohol boils 14.6°C higher |
| Flash Point ⚠️ | 15 °C | 12 °C | Isopropyl Alcohol is more flammable |
| Density | 0.803 g/cm³ | 0.785 g/cm³ | n-Propyl Alcohol is denser |
| Water Solubility | Miscible with water | Miscible with water | Both fully water soluble |
| pH | 7 | N/A | Data not available for direct comparison |
| Molecular Weight | 60.10 g/mol | 60.10 g/mol | Similar molecular weight |
| Melting Point | -126.5 °C | -89.5 °C | Isopropyl Alcohol melts 37.0°C higher |
| Vapor Pressure | 20 hPa at 20°C | 43 mmHg at 20°C | Isopropyl Alcohol is more volatile |
| Auto-ignition Temp ⚠️ | 390 °C | 399 °C | n-Propyl Alcohol auto-ignites at lower temp |
| Vapor Density | 2.07 (air = 1) | 2.07 (air = 1) | Similar vapor density |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid | Clear, colorless liquid | Similar appearance |
| Odor | Alcohol-like | Slight alcohol odor |
Data sourced from PubChem (NIH), OSHA Technical Guidelines, and Alliance Chemical laboratory analysis. Last verified June 2026.
Applications & Use Cases
n-Propyl Alcohol Best For:
- Industrial solvent
- Laboratory reagent
- Cleaning agent
- Intermediate in chemical synthesis
- Component in coatings and inks
Isopropyl Alcohol Best For:
- Solvent
- Disinfectant
- Cleaning agent
- Laboratory reagent
- Intermediate in chemical synthesis
Choosing Between Them
The right choice depends on your specific application, required purity, and handling capabilities. Contact our team for guidance on which chemical best fits your needs.
Safety & Handling Comparison
Storage Requirements
Always store in original containers in a cool, well-ventilated area per NFPA 30 guidelines. Refer to each product's SDS for specific storage temperature ranges and incompatible materials.
PPE Requirements
At minimum: chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132-138. Check each SDS below for chemical-specific PPE requirements.
Fire Hazard
Isopropyl Alcohol has a lower flash point and requires extra fire precautions.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Which Chemical Should You Choose?
Decision Snapshot
| Decision Factor | Better Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Evaporation Profile | Isopropyl Alcohol | Lower boiling point supports faster flash-off. |
| Fire Safety Margin | n-Propyl Alcohol | Higher flash point generally reduces ignition risk in handling and storage. |
| Application Breadth | Tie | Compares distinct listed use cases to avoid generic recommendations. |
| Purity Flexibility | Standard grades | Based on availability of 99%+ concentration options in current product metadata. |
Choose n-Propyl Alcohol if:
- You specifically need support for industrial solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for component in coatings and inks applications.
- You need a higher-boiling solvent that stays in-process longer.
- Fire-risk controls are a priority and you prefer the higher flash-point option.
Choose Isopropyl Alcohol if:
- You specifically need support for solvent applications.
- You specifically need support for disinfectant applications.
- You want a faster-evaporating solvent for quick-dry production steps.
- You can manage stricter flammable-liquid controls for lower flash-point performance.
Commercial & Fulfillment Snapshot
Built for purchasing teams that need predictable dispatch, compliant documentation, and freight flexibility from parcel to full truckload.
| Procurement Advantage | n-Propyl Alcohol | Isopropyl Alcohol |
|---|---|---|
| Grade & Concentration Coverage | multiple concentration options by application with industrial/lab procurement support. | 91% with industrial/lab procurement support. |
| Packaging Depth | 1 Quart to 330 Gallon IBC Tote for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. | small packs through bulk freight quantities for parcel, pallet, and truckload planning. |
| Dispatch SLA | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. | Lane-scheduling cutoff is 1 PM CT (Mon-Thu) and noon CT Friday. Outbound dispatch from Taylor, TX typically completes within 1-2 business days. |
| Freight Optionality | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. | UPS Ground for small packs plus LTL/FTL lanes through ABF, SEFL, Saia, XPO, and partner carriers. |
| Compliance Readiness | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. | SDS ready now; COA/TDS support available pre-PO and post-order. |
| Bulk Procurement CTA | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. | Request bulk quote or call (512) 365-6838. |
Need Help Deciding? Our technical team can help you choose the right chemical for your specific application. Email sales@alliancechemical.com for expert guidance.
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Alliance Chemical supplies both n-Propyl Alcohol and Isopropyl Alcohol in various grades and package sizes.