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[Chemical Knowledge]：Ethanol and isopropanol: A comparison of two commonly used solvents

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Ethanol and isopropanol are common organic solvents, which are widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other fields. However, these two solvents have obvious differences in properties and uses. In terms of chemical structure,

contains one carbon atom and one hydroxyl group (-OH) in a molecule of ethanol, while three carbon atoms and one hydroxyl group in a molecule of isopropanol. This structural difference determines their differences in physical and chemical properties.

ethanol is a polar solvent, it can dissolve many polar substances, such as water, acid, alkali and so on. Isopropanol is a non-polar solvent, which can replace ethanol in some cases, but it is not suitable for some specific compounds.

In addition, ethanol is flammable, volatile, and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. If exposed to ethanol vapor in large quantities, it will cause poisoning. Isopropyl alcohol is less volatile, less irritating to the human body, and relatively safer. In the specific application of

, ethanol is often used in medicine, cosmetics, food processing and other industries, while isopropanol is mostly used in the chemical industry and some occasions where ethanol is not suitable.

To sum up, although ethanol and isopropanol are very similar in appearance, they are very different in chemical structure and properties, and their application fields are also different. When choosing a solvent to use, it should be selected according to specific needs and safety considerations to avoid unnecessary risks and losses.

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