Specialists of the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed a technology for producing an organic compound isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) from winemaking and sugar production wastes, Turkmenistan’s Golden Age news outlet reported on Friday.
The head of the institute's laboratory Esger Annahanov said isopropyl alcohol has a powerful antiseptic activity and that it is widely used as a substitute for ethyl alcohol.
The Disinfectant Solutions Production Enterprise located in the Buzmeyn Etrap of Ashgabat uses imported isopropanol as the main component (70%) in the production of personal hygiene products.
Turkmen chemists suggested using local raw materials, fusel oils obtained in the process of distillation at the country's wineries, for the production of isopropyl alcohol.
Scientific research and experimental production of organic matter were carried out within the framework of a tripartite agreement concluded between the Institute of Chemistry, the Disinfectant Solutions Production Enterprise and a winery located in the Buzmeyin etrap. The Mary sugar plant provided the necessary raw materials.
It is estimated that when using local raw materials, the cost of the disinfectant is several times lower than the imported analogue.
Several solutions of different concentrations of these products obtained experimentally were sent to the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Service for testing their antibacterial properties.
Isopropyl alcohol is used in medicine, cosmetology, perfumery, household chemicals, as a windshield washer fluid for cars and in the production of antifreeze.
The scientists expect the new findings will become a useful raw material for Turkmen companies that produce chemical products.
