Isopropyl Alcohol is a secondary alcohol, a colorless liquid with a bitter odor, similar to other alcohols. It was the first commercially synthetic alcohol, first produced in 1920 by chemists at Standard Oil of New Jersey (later ExxonMobil) while studying petroleum by-products. It can be easily synthesized through the reaction of propylene with sulfuric acid, followed by hydrolysis. Due to the polarity of its organic molecule, isopropyl alcohol shows high solubility in water, ethanol, chloroform, and a wide range of other substances, including polyvinyl butyral, oils, and natural resins. This high solubility makes it widely used in the production of cosmetics, personal care products, lacquers, coatings, paints, and resins. It is also used as an intermediate in the production of certain compounds such as acetone, glycerin, and isopropyl acetate. Another important application of isopropyl alcohol is its use as an effective disinfectant in medical settings. In agriculture, isopropyl alcohol is used in the production of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and more. Due to its relatively high boiling point, it has a significant role in the production of antifreeze. Isopropyl alcohol is highly versatile and has many household applications, including: - De-icing car windows in winter without damaging the glass surface - Removing stickers and adhesive residues - Cleaning greasy stovetops without the need for rinsing - Polishing metal surfaces without leaving fingerprints - Removing ink stains from clothing - Making homemade air fresheners - Eliminating garlic and onion odors from hands - Creating cold packs by mixing one part isopropyl alcohol with three parts water, which can be frozen and applied to injuries when needed.