2006-07-28 04:06:47 · 6 answers · asked by monkeyg 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It's all about evaporation time. 100% evaporates too quickly, while 70% sticks around for enough time (10 seconds, when in a thin layer, where as 100% would be less than 2 seconds).
2006-07-28 04:18:02 · answer #1 · answered by flammable 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
100% evaporates too quickly and cannot be effective unless the surface remains wet for a period of time. Thus when it is diluted down to 70% or even 50% the water will help keep the surface lubricated while the alcohol does its job.
2006-07-28 04:11:17 · answer #2 · answered by Joe K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know the exact osmotic principles behind it, but a lot of the bacteria that you are trying to kill are gram negative with peptidoglycan walls. Alcohol is better able to penetrate the peptidoglycan when in association with water and 70% appears to be optimal. Anyone know the mechanics of it?
2006-07-28 04:14:14 · answer #3 · answered by Skeff 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There used to be an enzymatic solution just for that problem. I think it was called AOSept. Don't know if it's still around, but it's designed to be used on contact lenses, whereas I don't think I'd ever subject my contacts to alcohol. Alcohol is too drying. I'd be afraid of it damaging the lenses. Worse, if you didn't get it all off, I'd be afraid of burning your eyes.
2016-03-27 03:23:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may not evaporate as quickly, therefore sticking around long enough to kill germs.
2006-07-28 04:09:48 · answer #5 · answered by pisces_magnolia 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ITS NOT!!
2006-07-28 04:09:42 · answer #6 · answered by ghettogal12k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋