Propyl Alcohol
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Propyl alcohol (C3H7OH) exists in two forms: n-propyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, both colorless liquids that mix with water in all proportions. These compounds, found in fusel oil, oxidize to form different products and have stronger and more prolonged effects on the body than ethyl alcohol.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Propyl Alcohol (C3H7OH). n-Propyl alcohol CH3-CH2-CH2OH. Boiling point 97.2°; specific gravity 0.8044 (|G); nD 1.3833. Isopropyl alcohol CH3-CH(OH)-CH3. Boiling point 82.3°; specific gravity 0.7808 (|G); nD = 1.3749. Colorless liquids, miscible with water in all proportions. They are easily salted out by soluble salts, for example KCl. They are contained in fusel oil. Upon oxidation, propyl alcohol gives propionaldehyde and propionic acid; isopropyl alcohol gives acetone and then acetic and formic acids. There are no special reactions for the detection of these alcohols. For identification, their physical properties, the properties of the urethanes they form, and the products of their oxidation are used. The effect of propyl alcohol on the body is similar to that of ethyl alcohol, but stronger and more prolonged.
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“Propyl Alcohol.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/propyl-alcohol/