How is isopropanol produced?

The production of isopropanol occurs primarily through two industrial methods: isopropanol production comes from propene hydration and acetone catalytic hydrogenation. The two production methods exist to supply the increasing need for isopropanol across pharmaceutical and electronic industries.

A. Hydration of Propene

Isopropanol production through this method occurs when propene (C3H6) reacts with water (H2O) while sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst. The direct hydration mechanism drives the reaction forward to produce isopropanol.

B. Catalytic Hydrogenation of Acetone

The hydrogenation approach to produce isopropanol consists of reacting acetone (C3H6O) with hydrogen gas using a nickel or copper catalyst. The production process necessitates the use of hydrogen gas while maintaining high pressure and temperature levels.