Chemistry (including Biochemistry)/isopropyl alcohol

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Expert: - 4/29/2007


Question
This is not a homework question. This ia a practical question. I wish to ask a question about isopropyl (or rubbing) alcohol. Can I leave a bottle of partially used isopropyl alcohol in my closet for an indefinite time? Does it have an expiration date? Thank you for your response. Al Brown

Answer
Even if tightly sealed with the original cap, the bottle will not be totally sealed and the contents will evaporate.  You would have to add some additional seal and even then it would not be 100%, it might just take longer.  Just the imperfections of the bottle top will cause problems.  If you go the other way and it is not sealed, then water from the air will mix with it and slightly reduce the concentration, but this will be small and would not impact any use of the alcohol.

Chemistry (including Biochemistry)

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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Chemistry (non-biochemistry), environmental science, occupational health and safety, environmental regulation and management, environmental engineering, and wastewater engineering. I'm the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety and the Director of Research at the Institute of Textile Technology.

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PhD, MS, BS in Chemistry

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