The Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has prepared alcohol based hand sanitizer, which has been prescribed by WHO for destroying coronavirus and its spores from surfaces and hand for use by the campus community.

The formulation contains three chemicals along with Aloe Vera and the major component is isopropyl alcohol (around 75%).

“Alcohol rub sanitizers containing at least 70% alcohol are known to kill microorganisms on hands within 30 seconds to one minute after application,” said Prof Anil J Elias, Head, Dept. of Chemistry.

The advantage of hand sanitizers is that when soap and water are not readily available, it comes for ready use.

The chemicals in hand sanitizer evaporate off while rubbing the hands together. However, it is always better to wash hands with soap and water before using hands for eating.