FAQ Home
What is the difference between Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and Ethyl Alcohol (EtOH)?
Their chemical structure and therefore chemical behavior are slightly different.
H H
| |
H – C – C – O – H
| |
H H
Ethyl Alcohol |
H H H
| | |
H – C – C – C – H
| | |
H OH H
Isopropyl Alcohol |
Considered in 1999 by CDC to be the most effective and rapid-acting skin antiseptic [containing a single active ingredient], both ethyl and isopropyl alcohol are known to exhibit rapid, substantive, broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against both gram positive and gram negative vegetative bacteria, as well as yeast, fungi, and some viruses. Isopropyl alcohol has been reported to be slightly more effective than ethyl alcohol.
The predominant mode of action of both isopropyl and ethyl alcohol is dehydration, protein denaturation, and cell wall/cell membrane disruption resulting in the release of intracellular components, and eventual loss of cellular function.
While not consumable, some prison and psychiatric institutions prefer isopropyl alcohol-based products to dissuade product consumption.
The FDA considers formulations containing EtOH in concentrations between 60% and 95% and IPA in concentrations between 70% and 91% to be safe and effective for preparation of the skin prior to surgery, surgical hand scrubbing, and healthcare personnel handwashing.
Back to Questions about Alcohol |