Isopropyl Alcohol 99% (IPA) Supplier South Africa

What Is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)?

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, isopropanol, propan-2-ol) is a secondary alcohol produced by hydration of propylene. At 99%+ purity (anhydrous grade), IPA is a fast-evaporating, water-white liquid with a characteristic mild alcohol odour and excellent solvency for a wide range of organic compounds, including oils, greases, resins, adhesives, and many polymers. It is fully miscible with water and most polar and non-polar organic solvents, and leaves no residue on evaporation — a critical property for electronics cleaning and precision cleaning applications.

Disinfectant and Sanitiser Applications

IPA is a proven, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and most lipid-enveloped viruses (including coronaviruses) at concentrations of 60–90% v/v in water. Maximum biocidal efficacy is achieved at 70% (IPA:water = 70:30), where the presence of water slows evaporation and allows longer cell membrane contact time compared to anhydrous IPA. Aqueous IPA solutions are the active base of hand sanitiser gels, surgical spirit, surface disinfectant sprays, and antiseptic wipes. IPA 99% is used to compound these solutions by dilution with purified water to the target concentration.

Industrial and Electronics Cleaning

In electronics and precision cleaning, anhydrous IPA 99% is the solvent of choice for flux removal after PCB soldering, optical surface cleaning, sensor and connector cleaning, and clean-room degreasing — its fast, residue-free evaporation prevents corrosion and contamination. In industrial cleaning, it dissolves adhesive residues, inks, label glues, and light oils from production equipment. Terracore Chemicals supplies IPA 99% in drums for cleaning product manufacturers, pharmaceutical compounders, electronics manufacturers, and industrial users, with documentation supporting GMP and SANS compliance where required.