Typical ingredients of disinfectants

Alcohols are contained in many disinfectants. Often used alcohols are for example:

Propanol (1-propanol):1-propanol has bactericidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal and limited virucidal effects. This alcohol is also used in herbicides and insecticides. It produces toxic and flammable vapours and can cause severe damage to mucous membranes if it encounters the eyes.
Isopropanol (2-propanol): The way isopropanol works is the same way how 1-propanol works. However, isopropanol is less dangerous for the skin and for the mucous membranes. The vapours of 2-propanol have an anaesthetic effect.
Ethanol: Ethanol is an alcohol that is found in a wide range of products from alcoholic drinks to disinfectants. Ethanol kills bacteria and fungi and destroys the protein envelopes of enveloped viruses.

In addition to alcohols several other active substances are commonly used in the manufacture of disinfectants. Here are some typical examples: