IPA AND ETHANOL IN PHARMACEUTICALS – WHICH IS THE RIGHT CHOICE?
In the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, disinfection is essential to ensure a clean and safe working environment. Among disinfectants, alcohol-based solutions are widely used due to their rapid effect and ease of use. However, many are unsure whether to choose Ethanol or IPA (Isopropanol).
This article will help you understand the differences between these two alcohols and choose the one that best suits your practical needs.
1.Ethanol – Safe, bio-based alcohol
Origin:
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH), also known as ethyl alcohol, is widely used and familiar. It is typically produced by fermenting starch or sugar, or synthetically from ethylene in industrial settings.
Key features:
- Clear, colorless liquid with a mild odor
- Fully soluble in water
- Highly effective at a 70% concentration – a balance between penetration and contact time
- Kills Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and non-enveloped viruses
- High biological safety, low toxicity
2. IPA
Origin:
IPA (C₃H₈O), or Isopropanol, is a synthetic alcohol made from propylene hydration. It’s commonly used in environments requiring strict hygiene, such as cleanrooms, pharmaceutical factories, and electronics production.
Key features:
- Strong disinfectant, especially effective against enveloped viruses (e.g. SARS-CoV-2)
- Evaporates quickly and leaves no residue – ideal for high-control environments
- Excellent at dissolving oils, greases, and organic debris – suitable for cleaning medical equipment
- Has a sharper odor compared to ethanol
3. Comparing IPA and Ethanol
3.1. Physical properties
The following table compares the basic odor, chemical structure, volatility, and flammability characteristics of Ethanol and IPA (at 70% concentration):
| Criteria | Ethanol | IPA (Isopropanol) |
| Odor | Mild and pleasant | Strong, sharp, easily recognizable |
| Chemical structure | C₂H₅OH – primary alcohol, bio or synthetic | C₃H₈O – secondary alcohol, synthetic from propylene |
| Evaporation rate | Moderate – maintains surface contact time | Fast – ideal for quick-drying, residue-free surfaces |
| Flammability | Flammable, flash point around 13°C | Flammable, flash point around 12°C |
3.2. Disinfection effectiveness
Both alcohols can kill a wide range of microorganisms, but each is more suitable for certain types of viruses or use conditions.
| Criteria | Ethanol | IPA (Isopropanol) |
| Optimal concentration | 60–80%, best at ~70% | 60–70%, higher concentrations may evaporate too quickly |
| Contact time | 2 minutes for effective microbial kill | 2 minutes for effective microbial kill. |
| Microorganisms | Effective against bacteria, yeasts, non-enveloped viruses | Highly effective against enveloped viruses, bacteria, fungi |
Sepro Eco Clean distributes IPA and Ethanol with fast action — kills bacteria within just 2 minutes, making them ideal for both industrial production and cleanroom environments.
Link:
4. Where to buy IPA and Ethanol?
When choosing IPA or Ethanol, always go with reputable brands that are fully licensed and certified to ensure safety and quality.
Sepro Eco Clean is the official distributor of QuantumTEC, a leading brand in hygiene and disinfection chemicals in Vietnam. We are committed to delivering high-quality products at competitive prices.
5. Practical Applications
5.1 IPA (QuantumTec)
QuantumTec’s IPA formula includes 70% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and 30% WFI (Water for Injection) – ideal for environments that demand high cleanliness.
- Surface cleaning of equipment and machinery: IPA removes bacteria and contaminants effectively, keeping workspaces clean and safe
- Industry compliance: Helps pharmaceutical factories meet hygiene standards like USP and GMP (WHO/EU)
5.2 Ethanol
Sepro provides Specially Denatured Alcohol (SDA) – ethanol modified to prevent misuse, yet still effective for disinfection in pharmaceutical settings.
| Product | Main Ingredients | Application |
| QT 70 SDA with IPA | 65–70% Ethanol, ≤5% IPA, 30% WFI | Cleanroom and equipment disinfection, quick drying, residue-free |
| QT 70 SDA with Methanol | 65–70% Ethanol, ≤5% Methanol, ≤5% IPA, 30% WFI | Suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing, prevents misuse, effective |
6. QuantumTec Product Advantages
Powerful disinfection: Rapidly kills pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae
High purity: 0.2-micron filtration removes impurities; Sterile line is gamma-irradiated, making it ideal for Class 100 cleanrooms (Grade A, B) and sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing
Flexible packaging: Available in various forms — spray bottles, cans, and chemical-saturated wipes — suitable for controlled environments
Contact Sepro:
If you need to order or have technical advice, please contact:
📞Hotline: (84) 96 825 5675
📧Email: fin@sepro.vn
🌐Website: https://sepro.vn
SEPRO ECO CLEAN – The optimal solution for clean room environments.
#SeproEcoClean #QuantumTec #Disinfectant Chemicals #Clean Room #Clean Room Solutions #H2O2 3% #Peroxy Pure #Hydrogen Peroxide
Main products:
QuantumTec disinfectant chemicals – Brand from the US, manufactured in Malaysia, with competitive costs and fast delivery time. Sepro is currently the exclusive distributor of QuantumTec products in Vietnam.
Cleanroom supplies:
- Cleanroom Wipers (Polyester, CP), Cleanroom swabs, Mopping System, Sticky Mats.
- Cleanroom coverall, gloves and Anti-fog glasses.
Services:
- Washing of cleanroom wipers, shoes and gloves meeting ISO 14644-1, FED 209E and GMP (EU, WHO) standards
- Processing: Shelves, trolleys, filters and other auxiliary products used in cleanroom environments
Sepro is committed to providing comprehensive solutions for Cleanroom environments, meeting strict GMP – ISO standards in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
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