2-Propanol For HPLC

2-Propanol (CAS 67-63-0) is a secondary alcohol — its hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the central carbon of a three-carbon chain (C₃H₈O). This structural position gives it a balance of polarity and solvency that standard primary alcohols like ethanol do not offer: it dissolves both polar and moderately non-polar compounds, making it compatible with a wide range of analytes and chromatographic conditions.

Chemical formula: C₃H₈O  |  Molar mass: 60.10 g/mol  |  Structure: secondary alcohol with -OH on central carbon 

This molecular simplicity supports broad compatibility with other solvents used in chromatographic systems. Laboratories referencing the identifier 67-63-0 in quality documentation or procurement systems are specifying this exact compound. 

Several properties make 2-propanol particularly suited to HPLC work — and distinguish the HPLC grade from lower-purity alternatives: 

1. UV cutoff of 205 nm — allows use with UV detectors at low wavelengths without significant baseline absorption
2. Water content ≤ 0.05% (Karl Fischer) — minimises moisture interference in moisture-sensitive chromatographic methods
3. Evaporation residue ≤ 0.001% — leaves no detectable non-volatile contamination in the flow path
4. Purity ≥ 99.8% — lot-tested against UV absorbance, refractive index, and evaporation residue for analytical suitability 

Physical characteristics and handling 

2-propanol is used across both reversed-phase and normal-phase HPLC, as well as in sample preparation workflows. Its versatility makes it one of the most stocked solvents in analytical and pharmaceutical laboratories. 

Reversed-phase HPLC 

In reversed-phase systems, 2-propanol is used as a strong organic modifier — particularly when acetonitrile or methanol alone do not provide sufficient elution strength for hydrophobic analytes. It is commonly paired with acetonitrile for HPLC to improve elution of late-eluting peaks and reduce run times without compromising resolution. It is also used for column equilibration and washing between analytical runs to remove strongly retained matrix components. 

Normal-phase HPLC 

In normal-phase systems, 2-propanol is paired with n-hexane for HPLC to modify solvent polarity and improve the resolution of polar analytes on silica columns. Typical ratios range from 1–10% IPA in hexane depending on the polarity of the target compound. This pairing is widely used in chiral separations, lipid analysis, and fat-soluble vitamin determination. 

• Mobile phase preparation — as a standalone modifier or in combination with water, acetonitrile, or hexane 
• Column cleaning and flushing — removes strongly retained non-polar components after sample runs 
• Sample dissolution — dissolves a wide range of polar and moderately non-polar compounds for injection 
• Ion-pair HPLC — used with ion-pair reagents for separation of ionisable analytes 
• Sample preparation — used in protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction workflows 

Safety and storage 

2-Propanol is classified as a flammable liquid (GHS Category 2), with a flash point of 12°C. Handle with standard precautions for flammable solvents: 

• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, open flames, and ignition points 
• Keep containers tightly sealed — 2-propanol is hygroscopic and will absorb atmospheric moisture, degrading HPLC performance 
• Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood when handling bulk quantities 
• Wear appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and lab coat 
• Dispose of waste solvent according to local regulations for flammable organic solvents 

Lab Chemicals has been supplying analytical reagents, HPLC solvents, and laboratory chemicals to pharmaceutical manufacturers, NABL-accredited testing laboratories, research institutions, and industrial facilities across India for over three decades. We are authorised distributors for leading global brands including Merck, Sigma-Aldrich, Millipore, and JT Baker the brands analytical chemists specify by name when writing SOPs. Our 2-propanol is supplied to HPLC specification with Certificate of Analysis documentation, SDS, and full traceability to the manufacturer's batch record. We also supply complementary HPLC solvents and reagents including acetonitrile HPLC and n-hexane for HPLC, so your entire mobile phase solvent set can be sourced from a single supplier with consistent grade and documentation standards.