What are alcohols and glycols?
Alcohols and glycols are versatile solvents with a pleasant odour. The length and structure of the alkyl chain is decisive for the solvency of these products. Lower alcohols (up to C4) are water soluble and dissolve polar components.
The Shell Chemicals range of alcohols includes C3 to C9 alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol (IPA), diacetone alcohol, 2-ethylhexanol and methyl isobutyl carbinol. For IPA, different grades are available to comply with specific needs for certain applications. This includes an IPA-GMP¹ grade that is available in Europe for use as an excipient in pharmaceuticals, foods and cosmetics. Shell chemicals companies also produce ethylene and propylene oxide glycols, which are often used as components in water-based coatings.
1 meets excipient level of GMP
Link here for datasheets relating to the alcohols and glycols available in your region
How are alcohols and glycols used?
The applications where alcohols and glycols are used include surface coatings, thinners, printing inks, adhesives, cosmetics, toiletries and cleaners. These products are also used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, medical applications, for the extraction of vitamins, as wetting agents in lithographic printing and as chemical intermediates.
