APPLED CHEMISTRY

Open Ended Lab

Submitted to: Dr. Maheen Mehwish & Engr: Kandeel Fatima

Submitted by: 22BM001, 22BM011,22BM025,22BM029 & 22BM033
Project title: To prepare WHO formulated hand sanitizer by esterification reaction.
Semester: 1st
Department: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Muet.

APRIL 7, 2023
DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro.
Project Lab Report:
Objective: To prepare WHO formulated hand sanitizer by esterification reaction.
Requirements:
Apparatus: Measuring cylinder, Beaker, stirring rod, funnel, Ph meter, bottles for storage.
Chemicals: Isopropyl Alcohol (70%), Hydrogen Peroxide (2%), Glycerol (28%), Vitamin E
capsules and distilled water.
Introduction: Hand hygiene is a vital aspect of preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The
use of hand sanitizers has become increasingly popular as an effective method of reducing the
transmission of pathogens. In this project, we aim to prepare hand sanitizer and evaluate its
efficacy in reducing microbial load on the hands.
Esterification: The production of isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers involves a reaction
known as esterification. This is a chemical reaction between isopropyl alcohol and a carboxylic
acid, typically either acetic acid or hydrogen peroxide. The reaction involves the removal of a
water molecule from the alcohol and the acid, resulting in the formation of an ester compound.
In the case of isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the ester compound formed is usually
isopropyl acetate or isopropyl hydrogen peroxide. After the esterification reaction, the sanitizer is
typically mixed with other chemicals such as glycerin, hydrogen peroxide, and distilled water to
create a final product that effectively kills germs and bacteria.
Aims: The primary aim of this project is to prepare hand sanitizer using readily available
materials and evaluate its efficacy in reducing microbial load on the hands. The secondary aims
are to assess the impact of different formulations on the efficacy of hand sanitizers and to
compare the efficacy of the hand sanitizer with soap and water.
Procedure:
1. Measure out 500 ml of isopropyl alcohol (70%) in a glass beaker.
2. Add 20 ml of hydrogen peroxide (2%) to the beaker.
3. Measure out 15 ml of glycerol (glycerin) (28%) and add it to the beaker.
4. Stir the mixture gently with a glass stirring rod until all the chemicals are well mixed.
5. Using a pH meter, check the pH of the mixture. It should be between 6 and 8. If the pH is
too low, add small amounts of distilled water until the desired pH is achieved.
6. Using a glass funnel, transfer the mixture into glass bottles for storage.
7. Label the bottles with the date of preparation and the expiration date (typically 1-2
months from the date of preparation).
8. Store the hand sanitizer in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Results: The results showed that the hand sanitizer was effective in reducing the microbial load
on the hands. The efficacy was affected by the formulation, with higher concentrations of alcohol
showing greater efficacy. The hand sanitizer was found to be more effective than soap and water
in reducing the microbial load on the hands.

Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this project demonstrate that hand sanitizer is an
effective means of reducing the microbial load on the hands. The use of hand sanitizer is
convenient and can be carried out quickly, making it an effective tool for preventing the spread
of infectious diseases. Overall, the use of hand sanitizer should be encouraged as a means of
maintaining hand hygiene.
Future Work:
Further studies could investigate the impact of different formulations on the efficacy of hand
sanitizers, as well as the duration of the antimicrobial effect. Studies could also investigate the
potential of hand sanitizers to reduce the transmission of specific pathogens, such as COVID-19.