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Is Isopropyl Alcohol the Same as Rubbing Alcohol?

Answer – No, isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same.

Explanation: 

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a pure alcohol with a pungent odor. It has no additional ingredients, such as water or oils. Its molecular formula is C3H8O. It is more commonly used in the manufacture of cosmetics, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, and food products. In the healthcare industry, it is used in hospitals to clean wounds and medical equipment.

Rubbing alcohol, on the other hand, is a mixture of approximately 60–70% isopropyl alcohol in 30-40% water. It is less versatile compared to isopropyl alcohol and is mainly used as a first-aid antiseptic and disinfectant. It is more appropriate for use at home to clean scrapes and bruises. It may be prepared with ethanol and is undrinkable due to the other components that are added.


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