Ask your own question, for FREE!
MIT OCW Biology 16 Online
OpenStudy (shrutipande9):

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

thomaster (thomaster):

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

OpenStudy (shrutipande9):

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

thomaster (thomaster):

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.

OpenStudy (shrutipande9):

okay...thnx!! @thomaster

OpenStudy (anonymous):

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

OpenStudy (anonymous):

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|

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!