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Why is isopropyl alcohol a better mobile phase than h2o for permanent markers?

User Hari Kanna
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Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is used because it dissolves the dye better than water. The ink from a permanent marker is insoluble in water because of its components such as pyrrolidone, glyceride, and colorant. These ingredients make permanent ink waterproof because they make are nonpolar whereas water is polar. As a rule of thumb, only like materials can combine.
User Ryan From Denver
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