Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol (also known as rubbing alchohol or surgical spirit) is made from propene derived from fossil fuels and water.
Ethanol or ethyl alcohol is the stuff that makes you drunk and is made by fermenting
Isopropyl alcohol, or isopropanol
In 1920, Standard Oil Company (later Exxon) scientists in Linden, New Jersey, were trying to invent useful products from gasoline by-products. They produced isopropyl alcohol, or rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol was the first commercial petrochemical (chemicals made from oil) ever made and became the new ExxonMobil Chemical Company’ first product.
It is also known as rubbing alchohol and surgical spirit
Isopropyl alcohol is made from propene (which is derived from fossil fuels) and water. They are combined using a process called hydration.
During hydration, the component substances of water, which are hydrogen and oxygen (H20), react with those that compose propene—carbon and hydrogen (C3H6). The reactions form new chemical bonds and create isopropyl alcohol (C3H7OH). Read more here.
It has a wide range of uses
- in disinfecting pads,
- When used properly, it kills a significant number of bacteria and other potential contaminants, which is why it’s also used as a hand sanitizer in labs and hospitals.
- as an antiseptic for cuts and scrapes.
- to clean dirt from computer and electronic equipment. ” Since it evaporates almost immediately, there is little risk of shock or damage to electrical components, and it can even be used to clean the lasers in CD and DVD drives.”
- removes glue residue and dried ink,
- remove stains from most natural fibers, including cotton, silk, and wool.
- can be used as a de-icer.
- to clean the glass.
- removes wax or polish residue.
All the above was taken from Wise Geek. You can read more here.
It is a very useful multitasking product and you might want to consider keeping a bottle handy. You can buy it on line. I have never done so cannot tell you what the bottle is made from.
Or you may wish to explore the alternatives which are not petroleum based.