Acetone and isopropyl alcohol are common chemicals. Acetone, a primary ingredient in nail polish remover, also serves as a solvent for plastics and fibers. Isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol, is a frequent component in disinfectants, hand sanitizers, and cleaning agents. Understanding the principles of chemical safety is important when handling any chemical.
Understanding the Interaction: What Happens When They Mix?
Acetone and isopropyl alcohol are miscible, forming a uniform solution. Under ordinary conditions, mixing them does not typically result in a chemical reaction to form new compounds.
Despite the absence of an immediate chemical reaction, combining these two solvents changes the overall physical properties of the mixture. Acetone has a higher vapor pressure than isopropyl alcohol, meaning it evaporates more easily at room temperature. When mixed, the resulting solution can have an increased vapor pressure compared to pure isopropyl alcohol, leading to more vapors being released into the air. This alteration in vapor release is a significant factor in the mixture’s safety profile.
Potential Hazards and Risks of the Combination
The primary risk of mixing acetone and isopropyl alcohol is their combined flammability. Both are highly flammable liquids individually. Acetone has a very low flash point, typically around -20 °C (-4 °F), while isopropyl alcohol’s flash point is approximately 12 °C (53.6 °F). When mixed, the solution’s flash point can be lower than pure isopropyl alcohol, meaning it ignites more easily at lower temperatures.
The higher vapor pressure of the mixture, influenced by acetone, means more flammable vapors are present in the air, further elevating the fire hazard. These vapors are heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas, potentially traveling to an ignition source and flashing back.
Beyond flammability, direct exposure to the mixture can cause irritation. Both acetone and isopropyl alcohol can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. While mixing them does not create new, more toxic compounds, the combined solvent effect can lead to increased drying and irritation of the skin. Inhaling concentrated vapors can result in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and central nervous system depression.
Safe Handling and Emergency Measures
To prevent hazards, store acetone and isopropyl alcohol separately in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Ensure adequate ventilation when using either chemical individually or in a mixture to prevent vapor accumulation. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection like chemical goggles, is important to prevent skin and eye contact.
In case of accidental skin contact, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. For eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. If vapors are inhaled and symptoms like dizziness or nausea occur, move to fresh air immediately. If symptoms persist or are severe, or if the chemicals are ingested, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center. Dispose of contaminated materials according to local regulations, ensuring no ignition sources are present.