All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(1136 products available)
Solvents
When it comes to 2-methyl-2-propanol, the compound also known as tert-amyl alcohol is commonly used as a solvent. It is widely used in the paint, coating, and adhesive industries. Those are industries where the need does arise to dissolve various substances. Also, due to its solvent qualities, the alcohol can be used in the extraction of certain substances as well as in chemical reactions during synthetic procedures.
The alcohol is a purer option compared to water; hence, it can be used with water-soluble and water-insoluble materials. That quality makes it ideal for making mixtures suitable for different tasks.
Chemical Manufacturing
2-methyl-2-propanol can also be used as a chemical reagent in the production of other chemicals. It is employed in the synthesis of various compounds, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its unique structure makes it a valuable precursor in generating more complex molecules. Thus, it is highly regarded in academic and commercial research settings.
Personal Care and Cosmetics
2-methyl-2-propanol is present in small amounts in several personal care and cosmetic products. Those products include lotions, creams, and fragrances. In such products, it primarily functions as a skin-feel enhancer, moisturizer, and solvent. It is effective in helping to dissolve a product's multiple ingredients and thus blend them smoothly. This alcohol component provides an appealing texture and fragrance. This makes it popular in the cosmetic and personal care segments.
Specialty Chemicals
The alcohol is also a valuable alcohol in creating specialty chemicals such as plasticizers, fuel additives, and coatings products. Due to its high efficiency and tendency not to be easily contaminated with water, 2-methyl-2-propanol is frequently employed in high-end chemical applications. The compound is valued in industries where high quality and performance are critical.
Coatings and Paints
2-methyl-2-propanol is extensively used in the coatings and paints industry. It is especially used in formulating paint and coating solvents. It effectively blends pigments and resins; thus, it gives a smooth application. That enables the paint to spread easily during use, achieving an even finish. Its slow evaporation rate allows for sufficient working time during application. That helps prevent premature drying, especially in high-temperature environments.
The alcohol also improves the stability and shelf life of paints. Thus, enabling them to maintain performance characteristics over time.
Adhesives and Sealants
In the adhesive and sealant industry, 2-methyl-2-propanol is used as a solvent. The alcohol helps dissolve various adhesive components, such as resins and polymers, before mixing the solution with others for use. This results in a more cohesive and efficient adhesive mixture for which the alcohol is used.
By doing so, it allows for better bonding capabilities when the adhesive is used on different surfaces. Furthermore, it is effective in reducing viscosity, enhancing application ease for sealants in professional use.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Laboratory and Research
2-methyl-2-propanol is frequently used in laboratory settings, especially when formulating solutions and as a reagent. Its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances makes it a versatile tool for research chemists. They mostly use it to characterize and analyze chemical compounds when they are conducting research and chemical analysis.
Additionally, it is employed in spectroscopy and other analytical procedures. This is where a non-aqueous solvent is needed to provide high-quality, consistent results.
Fuel Additives
2-methyl-2-propanol is used as a fuel additive, especially in the production of high-octane gasoline blends in the automotive and fuel industries. It helps improve gasoline's combustion efficiency and octane rating. Moreover, this leads to smoother engine operation and reduced emissions.
Furthermore, the alcohol acts as a cosolvent, allowing better fuel formulation with ethanol and other biofuels. This ensures the resultant fuel performs well under varying temperature and humidity conditions.
Chemical Structure
2-methyl-2-propanol belongs to the category of alcohols known as tert-alcohols. It has a branched chain and comprises four carbon atoms with a hydroxyl functional group (-OH) attached to one of the carbon atoms. Its chemical formula is C4H10O, while the molecular formula is CH(CH3)2C(OH)(CH3)3. That means it has a methyl group and a secondary carbon atom with the hydroxyl group attached to it.
Appearance
It is a colorless, viscous liquid that is highly soluble in water and other organic solvents. Those solvents include acetone, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether. The alcohol has a characteristic sweet odor which tends to be less pungent than other types of alcohol.
Purity and Grade
2-methyl-2-propanol is available in multiple grades, depending on the application's requirements. Those grades include industrial, pharmaceutical, and reagent grades. Usually, each grade has varying purity levels. Therefore, for industrial uses, the alcohol can have lower purity standards. While for pharmaceutical and reagent uses, higher purity standards are a must with no impurities at all.
The typical purity for high-quality is usually above 99%. That ensures minimal contamination and maximum effectiveness.
Boiling Point
The boiling point of the alcohol is typically around 82 °C (180 °F), while its flash point is about 30 °C (86 °F). Those temperatures make it a relatively low-boiling solvent. Hence, it is suitable for use in applications where evaporation control is necessary.
Usage and Dosage
2-Methyl-2-propanol is widely used as a solvent in multiple formulations. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used to prepare various drug formulations. Typically, the dosage and its usage in any application depend on the specific requirements of the formulation or process being used. It can also be determined by factors such as concentration, type of substance being dissolved, and desired outcome.
Usually, it is used in components retailing and ranging from a few percentage points to several percent in chemicals. While in pharmaceuticals, it is usually mixed in more than 10% but less than 50%. As for cosmetics, it typically appears in formulations at a range of 1 to 10%.
Purity Standards
When using 2-methyl-2-propanol, one has to consider its purity. This is especially important when pharmaceutically and chemically created drugs use this alcohol. The purity standards for those industries are largely determined by the alcohol's intended use. It is best if the alcohol is of the highest possible purity. Also, always go for genuine grade alcohols manufactured by reputable companies.
Storage Conditions
2-methyl-2-propanol should be stored properly to maintain its quality and ensure safety. The storage location must be cool and dry and away from direct sunlight and any ignition source. This is because of its flammable nature. Therefore, the alcohol must be kept in tightly sealed containers to prevent evaporation or contamination.
Additionally, laboratories and workspaces must have proper signage indicating flammable materials to ensure a safe working environment.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
While handling 2-methyl-2-propanol, it is advisable to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Typical examples of PPE are gloves, goggles, and lab coats. This is primarily to minimize direct skin and eye contact with the alcohol compound. In the event where inhalation might happen, operating in areas that are well-ventilated is effective in reducing inhalation exposure. Good workplace practices, including using fume hoods and ensuring workers understand safety data sheets (SDS) for the alcohol, contribute to reducing exposure.
Waste Disposal
Disposing of 2-methyl-2-propanol must be done with care and according to relevant regulations. That is because improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination. Thus, waste containing this alcohol should not be discarded with regular waste. The waste must be placed in designated hazardous waste containers. In those containers, clearly label the waste to identify that it contains flammable chemicals.
Furthermore, for its correct disposal, local environmental authorities and regulations must be adhered to. That ensures that it is disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner that poses no risk to the environment.
A1. Yes, 2-methyl-2-propanol is widely used in cosmetics and personal care formulations as a skin feel enhancer and solvent.
A2. When released into the environment, 2-methyl-2-propanol can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Therefore, proper waste management and disposal practices are crucial to mitigate its environmental impact.
A3. 2-methyl-2-propanol acts as a cosolvent in fuel formulations by improving the fuel's quality and performance. Thus making it especially effective in refining fuels with other substances like ethanol.
A4. Yes, 2-methyl-2-propanol can be used in both industries since it is a purer alcohol. However, its purity in the pharmaceutical industry needs to be higher than in the industrial one.
A5. 2-methyl-2-propanol's effectiveness as a solvent depends on the specific application and the substance to be dissolved, just like other solvents.
