Isopropyl alcohol (IPA, also called isopropanol) is a staple in workshops, labs, printing houses and cleaning businesses. It comes in several grades and concentrations, and buying the wrong one is a common and expensive mistake. This page explains what the grades mean and which one to pick, with notes for buyers in Umm Al Quwain and elsewhere in the UAE.
Two numbers matter: concentration and purity
First, concentration. IPA is sold either as a pure liquid (99 percent and above) or diluted with water, most often as a 70 percent solution. Second, purity: how much of the remainder is water, other alcohols and trace impurities. The label may say "technical", "industrial", "electronic", "reagent" or "pharma", but these words have no universal definition, so always compare the percentages on the data sheet.
Grades and what they suit
| Type | Typical strength | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial / technical | 99% or higher | Degreasing, cleaning, solvent blending, ink and coating carrier |
| Electronic grade | 99.5% and above, low residue | Circuit boards, screens, lenses, precision cleaning |
| Pharmaceutical / USP | Meets pharmacopoeia limits | Pharmaceutical processing, cosmetics, laboratory use |
| 70% solution | About 70% IPA in water | Disinfecting hands and surfaces, wipes, sanitising sprays |
Why 70 percent disinfects better than 99 percent
It sounds backwards, but 70 percent IPA kills germs more effectively than pure IPA. The water slows evaporation and lets the alcohol penetrate microbes before it dries. Pure IPA evaporates too fast to be a reliable disinfectant. The strong 99 percent grade is for cleaning and solvent work, where you want fast drying and no water.
When to pay for a higher grade
- Electronics and optics: water and impurities leave streaks or corrosion, so use 99.5 percent or electronic grade.
- Pharma, cosmetics and food-adjacent products: use pharmacopoeia-grade material with a certificate of analysis.
- General cleaning and degreasing: industrial grade is enough.
- Hand sanitiser or surface sprays: follow the applicable formulation standard and safety rules for the product you sell.
Safety and storage
IPA has a flash point near 12 C, so it ignites easily at summer temperatures. Store it shaded and ventilated, away from heat, sparks and oxidisers, and keep containers closed. It is irritating to eyes and, if swallowed, harmful. Our guide on storing flammable solvents in UAE summer heat covers the details.
Buying checklist
- State the concentration you want (for example 99.9% or 70%).
- Ask for the safety data sheet and certificate of analysis.
- Check the pack size: 1, 5 and 25 litre, or 200 litre drums, depending on use.
- Ask whether the product was filled in sealed new containers.
- Get a dated quotation with delivery terms.
IPA from Dubi Chem Marine International
We supply isopropyl alcohol in several concentrations and pack sizes, along with acetone, MEK and other solvents, from our Fujairah stock to customers across the UAE, including Umm Al Quwain. Call +971 56 108 1115 or use the contact page with the grade, pack and quantity you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dilute 99 percent IPA to 70 percent myself?
Yes, mix by volume with clean water (about 70 parts IPA to 30 parts water). Use clean containers and label the result.
Is isopropyl alcohol the same as ethanol?
No. They are different chemicals with different uses, regulations and prices. IPA is not suitable for drinking or for products meant to be swallowed.
Does IPA damage plastics?
It is gentler than acetone, but test sensitive plastics and coatings first.