During disinfecting stuff why is 70% alcohol used and not absolute alcohol?

Question

thomaster · Answer

absolute alcohol (99%) evaporates too quickly.
Also diluting the alcohol to 70% is cheaper.

shrutipande9 · Answer

Ohh..ok...but then why exactly 70%?

thomaster · Answer

It doesn't have to be exactly 70%, some use 75% too.
But it has been experimentally proven that 70% is the best dilution for desinfection alcohol.

shrutipande9 · Answer

okay...thnx!! @thomaster

anonymous · Answer

cell walls are more easily penetrated with water as a "carrier" solvent

anonymous · Answer

Hi
I think I know the answer. Would absolute alcohol exist as dimers? They would be like clips attached to one another.
So water breaks up those molecules.|dw:1396514188780:dw|