Products
| HS Code | 129601 |
| Chemical Name | 1-Propyl Alcohol |
| Chemical Formula | C3H8O |
| Molecular Weight | 60.10 g/mol |
| Cas Number | 71-23-8 |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Odor | Mild alcoholic |
| Density | 0.803 g/cm3 at 20°C |
| Melting Point | -126°C |
| Boiling Point | 97.2°C |
| Flash Point | 23°C (closed cup) |
| Solubility | Miscible in water |
| Vapor Pressure | 2.1 kPa at 20°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.384 at 20°C |
| Viscosity | 1.938 cP at 25°C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 370°C |
As an accredited 1-Propyl Alcohol factory, we enforce strict quality protocols—every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent efficacy and safety standards.
| Packing | 1-Propyl alcohol (n-propanol) is packaged in a 1-liter amber glass bottle with a leak-proof cap and clear hazard labeling. |
| Container Loading (20′ FCL) | 20′ FCL loading: 1-Propyl Alcohol packed in UN-approved drums, securely braced, ventilated, labeled flammable, with proper segregation and documentation. |
| Shipping | Ship 1-Propyl Alcohol as UN1274, Hazard Class 3 (flammable liquid), Packing Group II. Use approved, tightly sealed drums or IBCs, grounded and bonded to prevent static discharge. Segregate from oxidizers. Ensure proper labels, marking, and shipping documentation, per dangerous goods regulations. Avoid spills, heat, and ignition sources. |
| Storage | 1-Propyl Alcohol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Keep containers tightly closed and clearly labeled when not in use. Store separately from oxidizing agents and incompatible materials, and use approved grounding and bonding procedures to prevent static discharge. |
| Shelf Life | 1-Propyl alcohol has a shelf life of 2–3 years when stored unopened in a cool, dry area away from oxidizers. |
On central-impression flexographic presses running 400–500 m/min on corona-treated polyethylene with wetting tension maintained at 38–42 mN/m per ASTM D2578, the solvent fraction of a polyamide/nitrocellulose ink is formulated to hold viscosity at 18–25 s in an ISO 2431 4 mm cup at 25°C. n-Propanol is added at 10–18 wt% of total wet ink, alongside ethanol at 25–35 wt% and n-propyl acetate at 20–30 wt%; the balance comprises resin, pigment and additives. The alcohol functions as an active solvent for alcohol-soluble polyamide and nitrocellulose grades, preventing resin shock when hydrocarbon or ester diluents are introduced during press-side let-down. The evaporation profile determines ink transfer from anilox roll to plate and from plate to substrate. Increasing n-propanol content slows solvent release, reduces plate drying, and can shift dot gain upward. Reducing n-propanol below 8 wt% on a high-speed run may produce resin precipitation in the chamber doctor blade and more frequent press stops. Relative humidity above 65% intensifies water uptake in the alcohol-containing blend, requiring dehumidified press rooms or forced-air drying hoods with air temperature limited to 35–45°C to avoid substrate distortion. Retained solvent levels on printed reels are controlled by headspace gas chromatography according to EN ISO 11890-2 or converter internal standards. Food-contact printed materials are assessed under EU 1935/2004, Swiss SR 817.023.21 and EuPIA GMP. Terminal printed structures are flexible packaging, lamination films and self-adhesive labels. Ink manufacturer technical bulletins identify n-propanol as a preferred cosolvent for polyamide-based inks, though exact loadings vary with press speed and substrate treatment level.
Batch esterification of n-propanol with glacial acetic acid is carried out at atmospheric pressure in glass-lined or Hastelloy reactors with overhead condensers and a decanter for water removal. The charge molar ratio of alcohol to acid is held between 1.05:1 and 1.20:1; sulfuric acid is added at 0.5–1.5 wt% of total charge. Reaction temperature is maintained at 95–110°C. Water formed during esterification is removed as a water/n-propyl acetate/n-propanol azeotrope, and the organic layer returns to the reactor, shifting equilibrium toward ester formation. Typical batch conversion reaches 90–97% within 4–8 h. The crude ester is then washed with water or dilute carbonate solution, neutralized, and distilled to 99.0–99.8 wt% n-propyl acetate with water below 0.05 wt% and acidity below 0.01 mg KOH/g. Continuous routes using acidic ion-exchange resin in a fixed-bed reactor operate at 100–120°C with similar molar ratios. Water is continuously stripped, and conversion is controlled by reactor residence time. The table below compares the two configurations.
| Parameter | Batch sulfuric acid route | Continuous ion-exchange resin route |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst loading | 0.5–1.5 wt% H₂SO₄ | sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene resin, fixed bed |
| Reaction temperature | 95–110°C | 100–120°C |
| Alcohol:acid molar ratio | 1.05:1–1.20:1 | 1.10:1–1.30:1 |
| Water removal | azeotropic decanter | stripping column |
| Typical conversion | 90–97% per batch | 80–95% per pass |
| Primary limitation | equipment corrosion and iron contamination | catalyst deactivation by water and acidic by-products |
| Post-treatment | neutralization, water wash, distillation | distillation without inorganic salt removal |
Product n-propyl acetate is used as a fast-to-medium evaporation solvent in printing inks, automotive refinish coatings and chemical intermediate applications. Process control must address iron contamination in the sulfuric acid route. Brown discoloration occurs if reactor lining is compromised and dissolved iron exceeds 10–20 ppm. The resin route is sensitive to water in the alcohol feed; alcohol moisture content above 0.2 wt% reduces catalyst activity. Published data for specific continuous configurations is limited, but equipment suppliers report stable operation when feed water is controlled below 0.1 wt%.
Batch spray-under-immersion cleaning of no-clean flux residues on printed circuit assemblies uses n-propanol-based blends with 10–25 wt% deionized water. The blend is held at 20–25°C in stainless steel immersion tanks equipped with 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers and a recirculation pump. The wetting temperature is kept below the flash point of 23°C; the explosion range of 2.2–13.7 vol% requires Class I Division 2 electrical classification in accordance with NFPA 70 when the equipment is installed in a solvent-use area. The solvent blend dissolves rosin, dicarboxylic acid activators and low-residue solder pastes. Cleaning efficacy is verified by ionic cleanliness testing according to IPC TM-650 2.3.25, with pass/fail criteria aligned to IPC J-STD-001 for surface insulation resistance and ionic contamination. The ROSE limit commonly applied is 1.56 µg NaCl/cm². After cleaning, assemblies are rinsed with deionized water having resistivity above 10 MΩ·cm per ASTM D1193 Type I or Type II, then dried with heated air knives at 60–80°C for 30–60 s. The process is not suitable for vapor degreasing because n-propanol has a boiling point of 97.2°C and a flammable liquid classification. Heavily cured conformal coatings are not removed by this blend; mechanical or abrasive removal is required. Terminal products are cleaned printed circuit assemblies for industrial controls, automotive electronics and medical devices requiring low ionic contamination.
In API purification, n-propanol is used as a water-miscible antisolvent in pharmaceutical crystallization when ethanol gives insufficient yield or poor crystal habit. Crystallization is performed in glass-lined agitated vessels at 0–5°C, with the antisolvent added at a volumetric ratio of 2:1 to 5:1 relative to the primary solvent over 60–120 min. Agitation is maintained at 100–150 rpm, and the cooling rate is controlled at 0.1–0.5°C/min to avoid oiling out and to preserve a narrow crystal size distribution. The crystal slurry is transferred to a filter-dryer or centrifuge, and residual n-propanol is removed in a vacuum tray dryer at 40–60°C under 50–100 mbar for 8–24 h. Residual solvent control follows ICH Q3C (R8), where n-propanol is Class 3 with a permitted daily exposure of 50 mg/day and a concentration limit of 5000 ppm in the drug substance. Routine batch release testing is performed per USP <467> using headspace gas chromatography. The presence of water above 2 wt% in the solvent mixture significantly increases drying time because n-propanol-water mixtures exhibit non-ideal evaporation. Recovered solvent is therefore distilled before reuse. n-Propanol should not be used in processes involving strong oxidizers or where free isocyanate intermediates are present. Terminal products are oral solid dosage intermediates and high-purity APIs requiring low residual solvent burdens.
Fixed-bed catalytic amination of n-propanol with ammonia is run over nickel-copper or cobalt-based catalysts in shell-and-tube reactors. The molar ratio of ammonia to alcohol is set between 2:1 and 4:1 to maximize monopropylamine. Lower ratios between 0.5:1 and 1.5:1 increase dipropylamine and tripropylamine fractions. Reaction temperatures are maintained at 150–220°C and pressures at 1–20 bar, with hydrogen partial pressure controlled to suppress carbon deposition. Typical alcohol conversion is 85–98% per pass, with mono-n-propylamine selectivity of 60–80% depending on feed ratio, contact time and catalyst aging. The crude amination product is separated by multi-column distillation because the propylamines and water form azeotropic mixtures. Finished mono-n-propylamine is produced at 99.0–99.5 wt% purity. Downstream amine derivatives are used as rubber vulcanization accelerators, agrochemical intermediates, flotation collectors and corrosion inhibitors. Process limitations include catalyst poisoning by sulfur compounds and carbonyl-containing impurities in the alcohol feed. A guard bed or hydrotreating step is placed upstream when total sulfur cannot be held below 0.5 ppm. The amination loop requires pressure-relief and heat-removal control because the reaction is exothermic. A rapid temperature excursion above 250°C accelerates catalyst coking and shortens cycle length. Published data for specific continuous configurations is limited beyond common catalyst supplier technical bulletins.
Single-component nitrocellulose lacquers for furniture and joinery use n-propanol as a solvent at 5–15 wt% of the total solvent blend. The lacquer is reduced to 25–35 s in a DIN 4 cup at 20°C for conventional spray application. n-Propanol acts as a co-solvent that slows surface drying relative to ethanol and ethyl acetate, allowing flow-out and reducing orange peel at 25–35°C and relative humidity 40–60%. The hydroxyl group in n-propanol makes it incompatible with two-component polyurethane clear coats. Residual alcohol in the base component consumes isocyanate groups, lowers crosslink density, and produces softer films with reduced MEK double-rub resistance per ASTM D4752. Therefore, n-propanol-containing lacquers are restricted to single-component systems or to non-isocyanate two-coat processes. VOC content of the formulated lacquer is determined by ASTM D2369 and limited under 2004/42/EC decorative coatings subcategories. Flash-off before force drying is set at 60–90 s with air velocity 0.3–0.7 m/s. The film is then dried in a flat-line oven at 45–55°C for 20–40 min. Terminal products are coated wood furniture, kitchen cabinets and millwork.
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Commercial 1-propyl alcohol, also designated propan-1-ol or n-propanol, is a primary aliphatic alcohol sold under technical, ACS reagent, HPLC, and anhydrous grade classifications. The product carries Chemical Abstracts Service registry number 71-23-8, European Inventory number 200-746-9, and the linear formula CH₃CH₂CH₂OH. Its molar mass is 60.10 g/mol. The hydroxyl group is terminal rather than secondary; this structural distinction governs oxidation products, esterification kinetics, hydrogen-bonding behaviour, and downstream reactivity with isocyanate-functional materials. Technical-grade n-propanol is a clear, water-miscible liquid with a characteristic fusel-like odour and a lower evaporation rate than isopropanol or ethanol. It is commonly specified where a slightly higher boiling point and a primary alcohol functionality are required in printing inks, industrial coatings, chemical synthesis, agrochemical formulation, and electronic cleaning.
The table below consolidates representative technical-grade specification limits. These values are drawn from common industrial certificates of analysis and are not presented as the exact release limits of a single manufacturer. Higher-purity reagent and HPLC grades normally reduce water content to ≤ 0.05 wt% and add UV transmittance or fluorescence-related specifications, but the technical grade shown here is the baseline for solvent and intermediate applications.
| Parameter | Representative technical specification | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ 99.5 wt% by GC-FID | Internal gas chromatography calibrated with certified reference material |
| Water | ≤ 0.10 wt% | ASTM E203, Karl Fischer volumetric |
| Acidity as acetic acid | ≤ 0.005 wt% | ASTM D1613 |
| Colour | ≤ 10 Pt-Co | ASTM D1209 |
| Density at 20 °C | 0.803–0.805 g/mL | ASTM D4052 |
| Distillation range | 96.5–98.0 °C | ASTM D86 |
| Refractive index, n20/D | 1.3850–1.3860 | ASTM D1218 |
| Non-volatile residue | ≤ 0.005 wt% | ASTM D1353 |
| Aldehydes and ketones as propanal | ≤ 0.2 wt% | Internal wet-chemistry titration |
Acidity control is particularly relevant when the alcohol is used in epoxy-amine formulations or in recycle streams where trace acids accelerate metal-corrosion episodes. In open-system storage, moisture ingress can raise water content above the stated limit, especially when the relative humidity exceeds 60 % and the tank is not fitted with a desiccant breather or inert-gas padding system.
In flexographic and gravure ink manufacture, 1-propyl alcohol is charged after nitrocellulose or polyamide resin has been dispersed in a primary ester or ketone diluent. The linear primary alcohol participates in hydrogen bonding with amide and nitro functional groups, so resin solutions at fixed solids commonly display lower viscosity than corresponding blends containing only aromatic hydrocarbon or ester solvents. This allows viscosity adjustment without exceeding volatile organic compound ceilings. Production-scale mixing is performed in enclosed high-shear dispersers with variable-frequency drives; the low dynamic viscosity of 2.26 mPa·s at 20 °C reduces motor load but increases the risk of mechanical-seal leakage on single-stage centrifugal pumps. Magnetically coupled sealless pumps or dual mechanical seals with liquid barrier fluid are therefore specified in many ink rooms. In solventborne two-component polyurethane coatings, however, 1-propyl alcohol is generally excluded because its primary hydroxyl group competes with the intended polyol for aromatic or aliphatic isocyanate crosslinkers. If used in a blocked-isocyanate system, the free NCO content must be measured by a method such as ASTM D2572, and the NCO:OH stoichiometry must be revised to compensate for the solvent-borne hydroxyl content. Published data for optimising dryer airflow or web speed solely as a function of n-propanol substitution are limited to line-specific solvent-retention measurements; therefore, gravure or flexographic trials should include residual solvent analysis by gas chromatography before production lock-in.
The terminal hydroxyl group of 1-propyl alcohol makes it structurally suited to continuous esterification and amination routes that are less accessible from secondary alcohols. In the production of n-propyl acetate, the alcohol is reacted with acetic acid over a sulfonic acid resin or homogeneous mineral acid catalyst, with water removed by azeotropic distillation or molecular sieve desiccation. Reaction temperature, feed molar ratio, and residence time are typically adjusted to maintain acid carryover below the downstream ester specification, because residual acetic acid will catalyse hydrolysis during storage. Amination to n-propylamine and di-n-propylamine is conducted in fixed-bed reactors over cobalt or copper catalysts under hydrogen pressure, with ammonia-to-alcohol ratio and recycle gas composition used to control amine selectivity. Unlike isopropanol, which dehydrogenates to acetone, n-propanol oxidation or dehydrogenation intermediates are propionaldehyde and propionic acid. This difference generates distinct odour profiles and acid-formation behaviour in reactor condensates, and it requires acid scavenging or rapid separation in recovery loops. Distillation columns in these process trains are usually operated with high-purity feed because water and by-product alcohols form close-boiling mixtures that require improved tray efficiency or divided-wall column configurations. Published data for the optimum catalyst bed geometry in independent amination trains is licensor-dependent and not uniformly comparable across pilot-scale reports.
In agrochemical emulsifiable concentrates, 1-propyl alcohol functions as a low-molecular-weight co-solvent and wetting agent. Its water miscibility and moderately low surface tension improve the clarity of microemulsion concentrates when blended with calcium sulfonate or nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactant packages, although the exact phase-stability window depends on the ionic strength of the active ingredient concentrate. In electronic cleaning, 1-propyl alcohol is used in bench-scale baths and ultrasonic cleaning equipment because it wets copper, tin, and solder-mask surfaces without the higher evaporation rate of isopropanol. However, open ultrasonic baths in high-humidity production areas absorb atmospheric water, and moisture content must be monitored by Karl Fischer titration to avoid drying defects and conductivity excursions. Closed recirculation systems with 0.45 µm membrane filtration and nitrogen blanketing are used to maintain low particle counts and moisture levels. The product should not be used in direct contact with strong oxidizers or with concentrated mineral acids in enclosed cleaning tools unless the equipment is specifically designed for exothermic decomposition and rapid vapour release.
Comparison with isopropanol, ethanol, and n-butanol clarifies the performance boundaries of 1-propyl alcohol. The evaporative profile is slower than isopropanol or ethanol because the boiling point is approximately 15 °C higher than isopropanol and 19 °C higher than ethanol. The closed-cup flash point is also higher than isopropanol and ethanol, which places 1-propyl alcohol in a less volatile flammable-liquid bracket under common storage regulations, but the liquid still requires explosion-proof electrical classification and conductive bonding because vapour can form flammable mixtures near ambient temperatures.
| Property | 1-Propyl alcohol | Isopropanol | Ethanol | n-Butanol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS registry number | 71-23-8 | 67-63-0 | 64-17-5 | 71-36-3 |
| Boiling point | 97.1 °C | 82.4 °C | 78.4 °C | 117.7 °C |
| Closed-cup flash point | 23 °C | 12 °C | 13 °C | 35 °C |
| Vapour pressure at 20 °C | 1.9 kPa | 4.4 kPa | 5.8 kPa | 0.6 kPa |
| Density at 20 °C | 0.803 g/mL | 0.785 g/mL | 0.789 g/mL | 0.810 g/mL |
| Dynamic viscosity at 20 °C | 2.26 mPa·s | 2.04 mPa·s | 1.20 mPa·s | 3.0 mPa·s |
| Hansen solubility parameters δD/δP/δH | 16.0/6.8/17.4 MPa1/2 | 15.8/6.1/16.4 MPa1/2 | 15.8/8.8/19.4 MPa1/2 | 16.0/5.7/15.8 MPa1/2 |
The primary alcohol structure of 1-propyl alcohol supports esterification and amination without rearrangement, whereas isopropanol preferentially forms the corresponding propylene-derived compounds or dehydrates under acidic conditions. Hydrogen-bond strength and polar-parameter differences also explain why polyamide and nitrocellulose resin solutions respond differently to n-propanol than to ethanol or isopropanol. In high-solids systems where the resin contains strong hydrogen-accepting groups, 1-propyl alcohol can reduce solution viscosity more effectively than isopropanol at equal addition level. In applications requiring the fastest possible drying or the lowest boiling point, isopropanol or ethanol is substituted. Conversely, where the solvent must remain in the film long enough to level and prevent dry spray, 1-propyl alcohol or n-butanol may be preferred. The selection is not interchangeable without reformulation because the change in vapour pressure, hydrogen-bonding parameter, and resin-polymer interaction can shift sag resistance, gloss, and retained solvent under identical oven conditions.
Bulk storage tanks for 1-propyl alcohol are specified in carbon steel or 316L stainless steel with nitrogen blanketing and pressure/vacuum conservation vents. The product is hygroscopic, so tank vents must be fitted with desiccant breathers or an inert-gas sweep to maintain water content within specification. Grounding and bonding should be provided because the liquid has a measurable conductivity but can generate static charge during loading and pumping. Under hazardous-material classification, the flash point places the material near the boundary between Class IB and Class IC flammable liquids, and the installation must comply with the applicable electrical area classification and storage separation requirements. Piping systems should be designed for low-viscosity service, with attention to mechanical-seal integrity and fugitive-emission requirements. Transfer pumps, extraction lines, and sampling points must be drained after use to avoid residue accumulation and the subsequent formation of odorous oxidation products. In processing environments where 1-propyl alcohol is combined with ketones, esters, or aromatic hydrocarbons, the final solvent blend must be evaluated for flash point, evaporation rate, and resin stability under the actual production condition rather than inferred from single-component data.
