Industrial Alcohol vs. Isopropyl Alcohol
Industrial alcohol (ethanol, CAS 64-17-5) is a common organic solvent primarily composed of ethanol and water. It is widely used in cosmetics, cleaning agents, coatings, and other fields. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, CAS 67-63-0) is also a common organic solvent-a colorless, transparent liquid with a strong pungent odor. It is mainly used in plastics, dyes, adhesives, and related applications.
Differences in Raw Materials
Industrial alcohol is typically produced from sugar- and starch-rich crops, such as corn, through fermentation. Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), however, is generally manufactured from propylene through catalytic hydration or hydrogenation processes.
Differences in Physical and Chemical Properties
Industrial alcohol and isopropyl alcohol also exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties. Industrial alcohol has a boiling point of 78°C and a density of 0.79 g/cm³, being soluble in water, ethanol, and various other solvents. Isopropyl alcohol has a boiling point of 82°C and a density of 0.8 g/cm³, being miscible with water, ethanol, and multiple other solvents.
Quick Comparison Table
| Property | Industrial Alcohol (Ethanol) | Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) |
|---|---|---|
| CAS No. | 64-17-5 | 67-63-0 |
| Raw Material | Fermentation (starch/corn) | Propylene catalytic hydrogenation |
| Boiling Point | 78°C | 82°C |
| Density | 0.79 g/cm³ | 0.80 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Miscible with water, ethanol, most solvents | Miscible with water, ethanol, most solvents |
| Main Uses | Pharma, food additives, coatings, cosmetics | Plastics, dyes, printing inks, adhesives |
| Typical Purity Grades | 95%, 99.5% (anhydrous) | 70%, 99%, 99.9% (electronic grade) |
Differences in Application Fields
Industrial alcohol and isopropanol also differ in their application fields. Industrial alcohol is commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations, food additives, coatings, cosmetics, and other fields; while isopropanol is frequently used in plastics, dyes, printing inks, and other fields.
Safety, Storage & Shipping Information
Both industrial alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol are classified as flammable liquids for transport:
- Industrial Alcohol (Ethanol): UN 1170, Class 3
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): UN 1219, Class 3
- Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources and oxidizers. Keep containers tightly sealed.
- HS Code: Ethanol 2207.10 / 2208.90; Isopropyl Alcohol 2905.12
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS) available upon request for both products.
industrial isopropyl alcohol price
Prices as of July 2026, indicative only - actual quotes vary by volume, packaging, and Incoterms. Contact us for a real-time FOB/CIF quote.
| Region / Market | Specification | Price Range (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|
| China Market | Industrial Grade 99% | 900 – 1,150 |
| Southeast Asia | Industrial Grade 99% | 1,000 – 1,250 |
| India | Industrial Grade 99% | 1,050 – 1,300 |
| Middle East | Industrial Grade 99% | 900 – 1,100 |
| Europe | Industrial Grade 99% | 1,300 – 1,600 |
| South America | Industrial Grade 99% | 1,350 – 1,700 |
Need a real-time quote for your target volume? Request a Quote
Why Choose Gneebio as Your Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Manufacturer?
ISO & GMP Certified Manufacturing｜Multiple Grades Available
We supply a complete range of IPA grades:
- Industrial grade
- Technical grade
- Pharmaceutical / USP grade
- Electronic grade 99.9%
- Customized purity levels
Strict Quality Control
Each batch comes with:
- COA
- MSDS
- TDS
- Third-party test reports (on request)
Stable Bulk Supply & Competitive Pricing
We provide:
- Safe packaging (drums, IBC, ISO tank)
- Stable shipping arrangements
- Compliance with international regulations
FAQ
Is isopropyl alcohol the same as industrial alcohol?
No. They are chemically different compounds - industrial alcohol is ethanol (CAS 64-17-5), while isopropyl alcohol is a distinct compound (CAS 67-63-0) made from propylene. Both are common industrial solvents but differ in raw material, properties, and applications.
What is the difference between isopropyl alcohol and ethanol?
Ethanol is fermented from starch/corn and widely used in pharma, food, and cosmetics. IPA is synthesized from propylene and mainly used in plastics, dyes, and printing inks. IPA also has a slightly higher boiling point (82°C vs 78°C) and density.
Do you provide MSDS/SDS for industrial alcohol and IPA?
Yes, Safety Data Sheets are available upon request for both products, along with COA and TDS for each batch.
What packaging options are available for bulk orders?
We offer drums, IBC totes, and ISO tank shipments, with flexible arrangements based on order volume and destination port.
Is isopropyl alcohol classified as a dangerous good for shipping?
Yes, IPA (UN 1219) and industrial alcohol/ethanol (UN 1170) are both classified as Class 3 flammable liquids and require proper documentation and handling for international shipping.