| Description | Propyl alcohol, also known as 1-propanol, n-propanol, or simply propanol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as primary alcohols. Primary alcohols are compounds in which a hydroxy group is bonded to a primary carbon, with the general structure RCOH (R=alkyl, aryl). Propyl alcohol is a colourless, volatile liquid that is fully miscible with water. It has a sweet odour and an alcoholic, fermented, fusel taste. Propyl alcohol exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to plants to humans. Propanol can be produced through fermentation of sugars by bacteria and yeast and small amounts are produced by gut microflora. Propanol has been identified as a fecal biomarker of Clostridium difficile infection (PMID: 30986230 ). When ingested, 1-propanol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase to propionic acid leading to metabolic acidosis and an elevated anion gap (PMID: 18375643 ). It can be found in small amounts in alcoholic beverages such as wine. Industrially, the major use of 1-propanol is as a solvent as well as an intermediate in forming other industrially important compounds. It is used as a carrier and extraction solvent for natural products, such as flavourings, vegetable oils, resins, waxes, and gums, and as a solvent for synthetic polymers, such as polyvinyl butyral, cellulose esters, lacquers, and PVC adhesives. Other solvent applications include the use of 1-propanol in the polymerization and spinning of acrylonitrile, in flexographic printing inks, and in the dyeing of wool. 1-Propanol is used for both its solvent and antiseptic properties in drugs and cosmetics, such as lotions, soaps, and nail polishes (IPCS INCHEM, EHC 102). Both 1-propanol and 2-propanol are often used in hand disinfectants as they have excellent bactericidal activity. 1-Propanol is used less in industry than 2-propanol as it is more expensive and it is a toxicant that has a similar taste to ethanol, so 2-propanol is used as its unpleasant smell discourages abuse. |
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