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N-Propanol

N-Propanol is a versatile solvent used in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and cleaning applications across East Africa.

N-Propanol is a solvent integral to industries such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, inks, and industrial cleaning across East Africa.

Packaging

25kg drums, 50kg drums, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is N-Propanol?

N-Propanol is a solvent integral to industries such as pharmaceuticals, coatings, inks, and industrial cleaning across East Africa. Manufacturing facilities in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania depend on it for its capacity to dissolve a broad range of substances and facilitate chemical reactions. It is particularly valued in pharmaceutical production where solvent purity affects product quality. This primary alcohol, chemically known as 1-Propanol, is a colorless liquid identified by the formula C₃H₈O and CAS number 71-23-8. Its moderate polarity and water miscibility make it ideal for cleaning formulations that require both organic and aqueous compatibility. Coatings and ink manufacturers rely on N-Propanol to improve drying times and film formation, enhancing product performance. Zenco Systems Ltd supplies N-Propanol across East Africa with a consistent quality that meets industrial demands. Its commercial importance stems from its multifunctional role as both a solvent and a chemical intermediate, making it a cornerstone chemical in manufacturing and maintenance processes.

N-Propanol: Detailed Product Overview

N-Propanol, or 1-Propanol, is classified chemically as a primary alcohol with the molecular formula C₃H₈O. Structurally, it consists of a three-carbon chain terminating in a hydroxyl (-OH) group, which confers its alcohol characteristics. The primary alcohol group is responsible for its solvent abilities, allowing it to interact through hydrogen bonding and dissolve a wide range of polar and non-polar compounds. Its moderate polarity situates it between methanol and butanol, providing a balance of volatility, solvency, and miscibility with water and organic solvents like ethers and esters.

From a physical standpoint, N-Propanol is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a boiling point around 97°C, enabling it to evaporate quickly without leaving residues. This property is crucial in surface cleaning and coatings, where rapid solvent evaporation prevents defects. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, N-Propanol’s solvation properties facilitate extraction or crystallization steps without compromising active ingredients.

Functionally, N-Propanol acts by disrupting intermolecular forces within target substances. In cleaning applications, this means breaking down oil, grease, and other residues organic solvents alone may not address efficiently. In chemical synthesis, N-Propanol’s role as a reactive intermediate allows it to form esters or ethers, which serve as building blocks for other compounds. Performance-wise, its moderate flash point requires careful handling but proves advantageous where faster drying compared to water or heavier solvents is necessary.

Suppliers like Zenco Systems Ltd ensure that the N-Propanol provided complies with industrial standards, maintaining consistent purity crucial to process reliability. For buyers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, this means stable product behavior in formulation and process contexts, enabling efficient production and cleaning cycles. Confirming bulk supply stability, packaging options, and technical support are key parts of working effectively with this solvent in an industrial setting.

Applications and Uses of N-Propanol

Pharmaceutical Solvents

In pharmaceutical production, N-Propanol is used as a solvent for drug formulation and intermediate extraction. It dissolves active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients effectively, enabling better mixing and purification. Because of its moderate polarity and biocompatibility, it supports processes like recrystallization and chromatography. Typically, its purity level is critical to avoid contamination in sensitive formulations, making supplier consistency vital.

Coatings and Inks

N-Propanol acts as a solvent and coalescing agent in coatings and ink manufacturing. It controls viscosity and aids in the uniform application of paints and printing inks. Its evaporation rate ensures smooth drying without defects like bubbles or tackiness. Formulators use N-Propanol to enhance adhesion and film durability, especially in fast-drying coating systems used across East African industries.

Industrial Cleaning Agents

Its solvent power enables N-Propanol to break down oils, greases, and certain resins in industrial cleaning formulations. It mixes with water to create cleaning solutions effective on machinery and surfaces where residues pose operational issues. Due to its moderate volatility, it cleans without leaving excessive residues, lowering downtime in production environments.

Chemical Intermediates

N-Propanol is employed as a chemical intermediate in synthesizing esters, ethers, and other organic compounds. Its reactive hydroxyl group allows it to participate in substitution and esterification reactions essential for producing plasticizers, solvents, and pharmaceutical intermediates. This use highlights its versatility beyond mere solvent functionality.

Extraction Processes

In extraction operations, N-Propanol facilitates selective solvation of target compounds from complex mixtures. It can separate valuable components in natural product extraction or chemical manufacturing, where controlling polarity is necessary. Its partial miscibility with water allows for aqueous and organic phase manipulations in liquid-liquid extraction.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Cleaning & Disinfection range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Balanced Solvent Properties

N-Propanol's intermediate polarity offers a strategic balance, enabling it to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances efficiently. This means formulations requiring compatibility with diverse ingredients perform reliably, reducing the need for multiple solvents and minimizing process complexity.

Fast Evaporation for Cleaner Operations

With a boiling point near 97°C, N-Propanol evaporates quickly enough to support rapid drying in coatings and cleaning applications without leaving residues. This benefits production throughput and final product quality, especially where dry, contaminant-free surfaces are essential.

Reliable Availability and Support

Through Zenco Systems Ltd, customers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania access a dependable supply of N-Propanol with technical support tailored to local industry needs. This reduces downtime risk and streamlines procurement, ensuring uninterrupted manufacturing and cleaning operations.

Versatile Usage Across Industries

The same N-Propanol batch can serve in pharmaceutical, industrial cleaning, and chemical synthesis roles, simplifying inventory management for multi-sector manufacturers. Its cross-industry applicability maximizes return on investment for buyers.

Packaging Information

N-Propanol is available in 25 kg and 50 kg steel drums, as well as 200 L drums suitable for bulk industrial users in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. These packaging options support different scales of operation, from smaller labs to large processing plants. Zenco Systems Ltd accommodates packaging preferences and offers consolidated shipments to optimize transport costs and secure product integrity during distribution across East Africa.

Standard formats: 25kg drums, 50kg drums, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Store N-Propanol in tightly sealed containers in cool, well-ventilated areas away from heat and ignition sources. Steel or high-density polyethylene drums provide good chemical resistance. Avoid prolonged exposure to air and moisture to maintain product purity. Because it is flammable, maintain segregation from oxidizers and acids. Under proper conditions, shelf life extends up to 12 months, but verify with periodic quality checks. Use grounding and bonding during transfers to prevent static charge buildup. Handling requires standard protective gloves and eye protection due to its irritant nature.

Safety Information

N-Propanol is a flammable liquid that can cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. Use of chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and adequate ventilation is recommended during handling. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air immediately. Fire extinguishing measures include foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Avoid open flames and spark sources in storage and usage areas. Dispose of waste according to local regulations. Safety Data Sheets from Zenco Systems Ltd provide full hazard details and emergency procedures.

Full hazard detail is available in the technical data sheet.

Technical Specifications

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.803 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H8O
Packaging25kg drums, 50kg drums, 200L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number71-23-8
SolubilityMiscible with water, ethanol, ether
Flash Point18°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point97.2°C
Chemical Name1-Propanol
Storage ConditionsCool, ventilated, away from ignition sources

Applications

  • Pharmaceutical solvents
  • Coatings and inks
  • Industrial cleaning agents
  • Chemical intermediates
  • Extraction processes

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeConfirm with supplier
PurityConfirm with supplier
Density0.803 g/cm³ at 20°C
FormulaC3H8O
Packaging25kg drums, 50kg drums, 200L drums
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
CAS Number71-23-8
SolubilityMiscible with water, ethanol, ether
Flash Point18°C (closed cup)
Boiling Point97.2°C
Chemical Name1-Propanol
Storage ConditionsCool, ventilated, away from ignition sources

Product Features

  • - Primary alcohol with moderate polarity
  • - Colorless transparent liquid
  • - Miscible with water and many solvents
  • - Boiling point around 97°C
  • - Flash point approximately 18°C
  • - Versatile solvent for diverse applications

Industries Served

  • - Pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • - Coatings and paints
  • - Ink production
  • - Industrial cleaning
  • - Chemical synthesis
  • - Extraction and purification

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions About N-Propanol

What industries commonly use N-Propanol in East Africa?

Pharmaceuticals, coatings, ink manufacturing, and industrial cleaning sectors in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania rely on N-Propanol due to its solvent properties and compatibility with various formulations.

What should I check before buying N-Propanol for pharmaceutical use?

Confirm the purity and grade with Zenco Systems Ltd via the certificate of analysis, as pharmaceutical applications require stricter impurity limits than industrial use.

Can N-Propanol be shipped outside Kenya from Zenco Systems Ltd?

Yes, Zenco Systems Ltd supplies N-Propanol across East Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and neighboring countries, supporting cross-border logistics and compliance.

What packaging sizes are available for N-Propanol in Kenya?

Available packaging includes 25 kg and 50 kg drums for smaller scale use and 200 L drums for bulk industrial requirements.

Is N-Propanol safe to handle without specialized equipment?

Standard personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection should be used due to its irritant and flammable nature. Adequate ventilation is also necessary.

How should N-Propanol be stored to maintain quality?

Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and incompatible chemicals like strong oxidizers, in tightly sealed containers.

Does N-Propanol dissolve in water and other common solvents?

Yes, N-Propanol is fully miscible with water as well as organic solvents such as ethanol and ether, making it versatile in formulation.

What is the typical shelf life of N-Propanol under proper storage?

When stored correctly in sealed drums away from air and moisture, N-Propanol typically maintains stability for up to twelve months.

Is N-Propanol considered a hazardous chemical?

Yes, it is classified as a flammable liquid and irritant, so handling according to safety protocols is essential.

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