Rubbing alcohol is the common name for what type of alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is commonly known as isopropyl alcohol. Its formulation consists of isopropanol, which is a type of alcohol frequently used for antiseptic purposes, cleaning, and disinfection due to its effectiveness in killing bacteria and viruses. Isopropyl alcohol typically comes in concentrations ranging from 60% to 99% for various uses, making it a popular choice in households and medical settings.

Isopropyl alcohol is advantageous because it evaporates quickly and does not leave an oily residue, which is beneficial for sanitizing surfaces and skin. In contrast, other alcohol types such as ethanol, butanol, and methanol serve different purposes and have distinct chemical properties and safety profiles. Ethanol, for example, is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is often used in hand sanitizers in combination with other ingredients. Butanol is primarily used as an industrial solvent, while methanol is highly toxic and not suitable for use as a disinfectant or antiseptic.