Basic Information of Commonly Used Solvents
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Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is a weak monoprotic acid. In aqueous solution, it has a pKa value of 4.76. Its conjugate base is acetate (CH3COO−). A 1.0 M solution (about the concentration of domestic vinegar) has a pH of 2.4, indicating that merely 0.4% of the acetic acid molecules are dissociated. Acetic acid is used as a chemical reagent for the production of a number of chemical compounds. It is mainly used in the production of vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride and ester production. Purification of organic compounds. To purify organic compounds, acetic acid is used as a solvent for recrystallization. Acetic Acid. A naturally occurring acid found in a variety of plants and fruits such as apples, grapes, oranges, pineapples, and strawberries. It is an organic acid that gives vinegar its sour taste and distinct smell. It Is produced through a fermentation process.
Acetone
Acetone (C3H6O)is a colourless, mobile flammable liquid is a typically a solvent for cleaning purposes in the laboratory, an active ingredient in nail polish remover and a paint thinner. It also goes into many solvent applications with pharmaceuticals the largest sector and is used to make a number of chemical intermediates. The solvents sector is also a significant outlet for acetone. Pharmaceuticals is the largest acetone solvent consumer with significant quantities also being used in glass reinforced plastics, cigarette tow, rubber chemicals and household, cosmetic and personal care products. Other smaller uses include electronics, surface coatings, printing inks and hot stamp foils. It is also used as a carrier for acetylene in cylinders
Acetonitrile
Acetonitrile is used in battery applications, a popular solvent in cyclic voltammeter and liquid chromatography. Industrially it is used as a solvent for the manufacture of Vitamin- B, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fragrances, photographic film. Acetonitrile is used mining industry for the extraction and refining of copper and oil industry for extraction of fatty acids from tallow and veg oils.
Benzene
Benzene is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a ring with one hydrogen atom attached to each. … As benzene has a high octane number, aromatic derivatives like toluene and xylene typically comprise up to 25% of gasoline (petrol).Benzene is a widely used industrial chemical. Benzene is found in crude oil and is a major part of gasoline. It’s used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Benzene is produced naturally by volcanoes and forest fires.It’s used to make plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs and pesticides. Benzene is produced naturally by volcanoes and forest fires. In homes, benzene may be found in glues, adhesives, cleaning products, paint strippers, tobacco smoke and gasoline
n-Butanol
n-Butanol or n-butyl alcohol or normal butanol is a primary alcohol with a 4-carbon structure and the chemical formula C4H9OH. … Butanol is one of the group of “fusel alcohols” (from the German for “bad liquor”), which have more than two carbon atoms and have significant solubility in water.The prefix “n-” (or normal) is used when all carbons form a continuous, unbranched (linear) chain. If a functional group (such as an alcohol) is present that functional group is on the end of the chain. … The prefix “tert” or “t” is used when the functional group is bonded to a tertiary carbon.n-butanol can be used a chemical intermediate to create other chemicals (e.g. Esters, n-butyl acetate and amino resins); alternatively it can be used as a solvent in the creation of consumer products. n-butanol is used as a solvent for paints, coatings, varnishes, fats, oils, waxes, rubber and plasticizers.
sec-Butanol
2-Butanol, or sec-butanol, is a chemical compound with formula C4H10O. This secondary alcohol is a flammable, colorless liquid that is soluble in 12 parts water and completely miscible with polar organic solvent such as ethers and other alcohols. … Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air.2-Butanol is manufactured industrially by the hydration of 1-butene or 2-butene: Sulfuric acid is used as a catalyst for this conversion. In the laboratory it can be prepared via Grignard reaction by reacting ethylmagnesium bromide with acetaldehyde in dried diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran.Butanol is primarily used as a solvent, as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, and as a fuel. It is sometimes also called biobutanol when produced biologically and petrobutanol when produced from petroleum; those two names refer to the same substance, but highlight their different origins.
2-butanone
2-butanone Used as a solvent, for making other chemicals, and for production of wax from petroleum. 2-Butanone is a manufactured chemical but it is also present in the environment from natural sources. It is a colorless liquid with a sharp, sweet odor. It is also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK).2-Butanone is also a natural product made by some trees and is found in some fruits and vegetables. The exhausts of cars and trucks release 2-butanone into the air. 2-Butanone is usually found in the air, water, and soil of landfills and hazardous waste sites.
Chloroform
Chloroform (also called trichloromethane) is a chemical substance. It is an organic compound. Chloroform is one of the intermediate substances that occur in the production of Polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon. Chloroform is used as a solvent.It is used as a solvent for lacquers, floor polishes, resins, adhesives, alkaloids, fats, oils and rubber. Chloroform is used in making Fluorocarbon- 22, a refrigerant. Until the mid-1900s, chloroform was used as an anesthetic to reduce pain during medical procedures.Chloroform is a one-carbon compound that is methane in which three of the hydrogens are replaced by chlorines. It has a role as an inhalation anaesthetic, a non-polar solvent, a carcinogenic agent, a central nervous system drug and a refrigerant. It is a one-carbon compound and a member of chloromethanes.
Cyclohexane
Cyclohexane is an alicyclic hydrocarbon comprising a ring of six carbon atoms; the cyclic form of hexane, used as a raw material in the manufacture of nylon. It has a role as a non-polar solvent. It is a cycloalkane and a volatile organic compound. Cyclohexane is found in kohlrabi.Cyclohexane is used as a nonpolar solvent for the chemical industry, and also as a raw material for the industrial production of adipic acid and caprolactam, both of which are intermediates used in the production of nylon.
Diethylene glycol
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound with the formula (HOCH2CH2)2O. It is a colorless, practically odorless, poisonous, and hygroscopic liquid with a sweetish taste. It is miscible in water, alcohol, ether, acetone, and ethylene glycol. DEG is a widely used solvent.DEG is produced by the partial hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. It is derived as a co-product in the production of ethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol is used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas, a raw material for the production of plasticizers and polyester resin, and a widely used solvent.Diethylene glycol is used in the manufacture of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethanes, and plasticizers. DEG is used as a building block in organic synthesis, e.g. of morpholine and 1,4-dioxane. It is a solvent for nitrocellulose, resins, dyes, oils, and other organic compounds.
Diethyl Ether
Diethyl Ether is a colorless, highly volatile flammable liquid. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and as a starting fluid for some engines. It was formerly used as a general anesthetic, until non-flammable drugs were developed, such as halothane. It has been used as a recreational drug to cause intoxication.Ethers are liquid at room temperature and are typically colorless, with a sweet smell. The most common type of ether is diethyl ether, which is extremely flammable and was one of the first anesthetics used in surgery. Due to its anesthetic effects, ether is also used as an illicit drug to induce sedation and euphoria.Ethyl ether, also called diethyl ether, well-known anesthetic, commonly called simply ether, an organic compound belonging to a large group of compounds called ethers; its molecular structure consists of two ethyl groups linked through an oxygen atom, as in C2H5OC2H5.
Dimethyl sulfoxide
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO. This colorless liquid is an important polar aprotic solvent that dissolves both polar and nonpolar compounds and is miscible in a wide range of organic solvents as well as water. It has a relatively high melting point.DMSO is used topically to decrease pain and speed the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries. DMSO is also used topically to treat painful conditions such as headache, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux. It is a by-product of paper making. It comes from a substance found in wood. DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. From about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Dimethyl-Formamide (DMF)
Dimethylformamide is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)2NC(O)H. Commonly abbreviated as DMF (although this initialism is sometimes used for dimethylfuran, or dimethyl fumarate), this colourless liquid is miscible with water and the majority of organic liquids. DMF is a common solvent for chemical reactions.It is frequently used for chemical reactions and other applications, which require a high solvency power. The product is known as a universal solvent. The high solubility of polyacrylonitrile in DMF, together with the good miscibility of DMF in water makes DMF the preferred solvent for the production of acrylic fibers.
Diglyme
Diglyme, or bis(2-methoxyethyl) ether, is a solvent with a high boiling point. … (The name “diglyme” is a portmanteau of “diglycol methyl ether.”) It is a clear, colorless liquid with a slight ether-like odor. It is miscible with water, alcohols, diethyl ether, and hydrocarbon solvents.
Ethanol
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is a chemical that is volatile, colorless, and flammable. It can be produced from petroleum via chemical transformation of ethylene, but it can also be produced by fermentation of glucose, using yeast or other microorganisms; current fuel ethanol plants make ethanol via fermentation.Ethanol is an important industrial chemical; it is used as a solvent, in the synthesis of other organic chemicals, and as an additive to automotive gasoline (forming a mixture known as a gasohol). Ethanol is also the intoxicating ingredient of many alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
Ethylene-dichloride
The chemical compound 1,2-dichloroethane, commonly known as ethylene dichloride (EDC), is a chlorinated hydrocarbon, mainly used to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM, chloroethene), the major precursor for PVC production. It is a colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor.Ethylene Dichloride (EDC) or 1,2-Dichloroethane is a clear, flammable liquid. Its chemical formula is C2H4Cl2. Although the vast majority of common chlorinated compounds are non- flammable, EDC has a flash point of 13°C (55.4°F). Since EDC is a flammable liquid, it must be stored and handled with this hazard in mind.
Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol (IUPAC name: ethane-1,2-diol) is an organic compound with the formula (CH2OH)2. It is mainly used for two purposes, as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester fibers and for antifreeze formulations. It is an odorless, colorless, sweet-tasting, viscous liquid. Ethylene glycol is toxic.Ethylene glycol is a chemical commonly used in many commercial and industrial applications including antifreeze and coolant. Ethylene glycol helps keep your car’s engine from freezing in the winter and acts as a coolant to reduce overheating in the summer.Ethylene glycol is a 1,2-glycol compound produced via reaction of ethylene oxide with water. It has a role as a metabolite, a toxin, a solvent and a mouse metabolite. It is a glycol and an ethanediol.
Heptane
Heptane is an alkane with the chemical formula C7H16. … Heptane is a volatile, colourless liquid that is odourless when pure. Heptane is an important hydrocarbon (or organic molecule as it, along with pure octane, sets the extreme ends of the octane rating scale. Heptane is used to set the standard zero point.Heptane (and its many isomers) is widely applied in laboratories as a non-polar solvent. As a liquid, it is ideal for transport and storage. In the grease spot test, heptane is used to dissolve an oil spot to show the previous presence of organic compounds on a stained paper.Heptane is a clear, flammable liquid which is highly volatile. Patty and Yant (1929, as cited in ACGIH 1986/Ex. 1-3, p. 297) reported that exposure to 1000 ppm of heptane for 6 minutes caused slight dizziness in humans; exposures to higher levels caused vertigo, incoordination, and inappropriate behavior.
1,4-Dioxane
1,4-Dioxane is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos. However, manufacturers now reduce 1,4-dioxane from these chemicals to low levels before these chemicals are made into products used in the home. 1,4-dioxane is a dioxane with oxygen atoms at positions 1 and 4.t is used as a solvent in the manufacture of other chemicals and as a laboratory reagent. 1,4-Dioxane is a trace contaminant of some chemicals used in cosmetics, detergents, and shampoos.Dioxins are found throughout the world in the environment. The highest levels of these compounds are found in some soils, sediments and food, especially dairy products, meat, fish and shellfish. Very low levels are found in plants, water and air.
Hexane
Hexane is an unbranched alkane containing six carbon atoms. It has a role as a non-polar solvent and a neurotoxin. It is an alkane and a volatile organic compound. N-hexane is a clear colorless liquids with a petroleum-like odor.Hexane is a chemical commonly extracted from petroleum and crude oil. It is a colorless liquid that gives off a subtle, gasoline-like odor. Hexane is highly flammable, yet it can be found in many household products such as stain removers for arts and crafts projects.Hexane is produced by the refining of crude oil. The exact composition of the fraction depends largely on the source of the oil (crude or reformed) and the constraints of the refining. … The acute toxicity of hexane is relatively low, although it is a mild anesthetic.
Heptane
Heptane is an alkane with the chemical formula C7H16. … Heptane is a volatile, colourless liquid that is odourless when pure. Heptane is an important hydrocarbon (or organic molecule as it, along with pure octane, sets the extreme ends of the octane rating scale. Heptane is used to set the standard zero point.Heptane (and its many isomers) is widely applied in laboratories as a non-polar solvent. As a liquid, it is ideal for transport and storage. In the grease spot test, heptane is used to dissolve an oil spot to show the previous presence of organic compounds on a stained paper.Heptane is a clear, flammable liquid which is highly volatile. Patty and Yant (1929, as cited in ACGIH 1986/Ex. 1-3, p. 297) reported that exposure to 1000 ppm of heptane for 6 minutes caused slight dizziness in humans; exposures to higher levels caused vertigo, incoordination, and inappropriate behavior.
Glycerine
Glycerine, or glycerol is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. … The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol is chiefly produced by saponification of fats as a byproduct of soap making.Physically, glycerine is a water-soluble, clear, almost colorless, odorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid with a high boiling point. Chemically, glycerine is a trihydric alcohol, capable of being reacted as an alcohol yet stable under most conditions.Glycerol, a naturally occuring carbohydrate, can be used as a fuel source by the body. The main function of glycerol in the body is as a framework onto which fatty acids are stuck, for storage. Thus the name, triglyceride.Vegetable glycerin is made by heating triglyceride-rich vegetable fats — such as palm, soy and coconut oils — under pressure or together with a strong alkali, such as lye. This causes the glycerin to split away from the fatty acids and mix together with water, forming an odorless, sweet-tasting, syrup-like liquid.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear water-insoluble solvent with a molecular formula of C7H8. It has an aromatic, benzene-like smell and is a highly volatile flammable liquid with a flash point of 4° C. It is obtained from petroleum and coal tar and is predominantly used as a solvent in the manufacturing of other organic chemicals. The main chemical use of toluene is to make benzene, xylenes and other solvents. It can also be used to manufacture other chemicals such as phenol, nitrobenzene, benzoic acid and benzyl chloride. As a solvent, toluene can be used in paints, paint thinners, adhesives, inks, resins, cleaning agents, leather tanners and inks The user end markets of this product are the chemical, paints, adhesive, cleaning, leather, plastics, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Methyl t-butyl ether
Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), also known as tert-butyl methyl ether, is an organic compound …. drinking water, but the data support the conclusion that MTBE is a potential human … “Sorption of methanol, dimethyl carbonate, methyl acetate, and acetone vapors in CTA and PTMSP.Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is a flammable liquid that has been used as an additive for … to higher levels of MTBE than the levels found in the general population.
Methanol
Methanol is a methyl alcohol (MeOH) is produced naturally in the anaerobic metabolism. Methanol occupies a key question in the chemical industry, mainly used to make wood adhesives and plastics. Also used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel and because of its toxic properties it used as a denaturant for ethanol. About 20% of production goes in to making of dyes and Perspex and 15% into solvents for paints and dyes. It is also used for polyester fibres, methyl cellulose and silicone compounds and can be used to antiknock petrol additive M.T.B.E.
Methanol is essential in our lives every day. Methanol has enabled human being to function during his day-to-day normal tasks. Methanol in the form of silicone goes into shampoo and the PET bottle. Methanol can also be found in many of the components of the car and possibly in the fuel used in your car. It is also present in the fleece jacket. The fact is, we are surrounded by products that contain Methanol, even though we might not have even known it! Methanol helps support our everyday lifestyles and has done so for many years…enriching the quality of the goods and services we have grown to expect.
Methylene Chloride
Methylene chloride, also called dichloromethane, is a volatile, colorless liquid with a chloroform-like odor. Methylene chloride is used in various industrial processes, in many different industries including paint stripping, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint remover manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing.It can be found in certain aerosol and pesticide products and is used in the manufacture of photographic film. The chemical may be found in some spray paints, automotive cleaners, and other household products. Methylene chloride does not appear to occur naturally in the environment.
m-Xylene
m-Xylene (meta-xylene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is one of the three isomers of dimethylbenzene known collectively as xylenes. The m- stands for meta-, indicating that the two methyl groups in m-xylene occupy positions 1 and 3 on a benzene ring. … All xylene isomers are colorless and highly flammable.Xylene can be used as a solvent for thinning oil-based paints or stains, lacquers, polyurethanes, epoxies, oil finishes, enamels, varnishes and alkyd resins — but only when the coating manufacturer recommends it as an approved thinner. Removing paint. … Xylene thinner is frequently used for removing paint.
O-Xylene
Ortho-xylene is used mostly to produce phthalic anhydride, an important intermediate that leads principally to various coatings and plastics. The least valued of the isomers is meta-xylene, but it has uses in the manufacture of coatings and plastics.Chemical industries produce xylene from petroleum. Xylene also occurs naturally in petroleum and coal tar and is formed during forest fires, to a small extent. It is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor. Xylene is one of the top 30 chemicals produced in the United States in terms of volume.
p-Xylene
p-Xylene (para-xylene) is an aromatic hydrocarbon. It is one of the three isomers of dimethylbenzene known collectively as xylenes. … All xylene isomers are colorless and highly flammable. The odor threshold of p-xylene is 0.62 parts per million (ppm).Paraxylene is widely used as a feedstock (or “building block”) to manufacture other industrial chemicals, notably terephthalic acid (TPA), purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and dimethyl-terephthalate (DMT). TPA, PTA and DMT are used to manufacture polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyesters, a kind of plastic.
Pyridine
Pyridine is a basic heterocyclic organic compound with the chemical formula C5H5N. It is structurally related to benzene, with one methine group (=CH−) replaced by a nitrogen atom. It is a highly flammable, weakly alkaline, water-miscible liquid with a distinctive, unpleasant fish-like smell.Pyridine is used to dissolve other substances. It is also used to make many different products such as medicines, vitamins, food flavorings, paints, dyes, rubber products, adhesives, insecticides, and herbicides.It can be made from crude coal tar or from other chemicals. Pyridine is used as a solvent and to make many different products such as medicines, vitamins, food flavorings, pesticides, paints, dyes, rubber products, adhesives, and waterproofing for fabrics. … Liquid pyridine evaporates into the air very easily
Tetra hydro furan
Tetra hydro furan (C4H8O) is colourless liquid water miscible organic liquid, used in as general-purpose solvent in pharmaceutical industries and in photographic films. It is a HPLC and spectrophotometer grade solvents. Tetrahydrofuran has many uses in the industrial marketplace. It is a versatile industrial solvent for natural and synthetic resins and is a solvent used in the production of nylon. It is also an industrial solvent for PVC.
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl acetate (C4H8O2) is a colourless liquid with a fruity odour; it is soluble in most organic solvents, such as alcohol, acetone, ether and chloroform. It finds wide application as a solvent across many industries; however, ethyl acetate is only slightly soluble in water. Ethyl acetate is used in industries that cater to end consumers, for example, paints, perfumes, and food industry. Ethyl acetate is an active solvent, and is mainly used in industrial lacquers and enamels. Thus, the paint and printing industry is one of the major consumers of ethyl acetate. It is also used in the manufacture of perfumes, artificial fruit essences, aroma enhancers, and artificial flavours for confectionary, creams, and cakes. In addition, ethyl acetate finds use in flexible packaging due to its evaporation properties, and its use in the extraction of camphor, oil, fats, and antibiotics.
Triethyl Amine
Triethyl Amine is a tertiary amine that is ammonia in which each hydrogen atom is substituted by an ethyl group. Triethylamine is the chemical compound with the formula N(CH2CH3)3, commonly abbreviated Et3N. … It is a colourless volatile liquid with a strong fishy odor reminiscent of ammonia and is also the smell of the hawthorn plant.Triethylamine is mainly used in the production of quaternary ammonium compounds for textile auxiliaries and quaternary ammonium salts of dyes. It is also a catalyst and acid neutralizer for condensation reactions and is useful as an intermediate for manufacturing medicines, pesticides and other chemicals.Triethylamine is miscible with water and with most organics. Thus it has become one of the most common organic bases. It is often used as a reagent or a co-solvent, but it can be used as the solvent for several types of reactions as well.
Dichloromethane
Dichloromethane molecular formula is CH2CI2 is used as in manufacturer of in polymer industry in manufacture polycarbonate & phenolic resins, in textile industry for manufacture of rayon yarns, food industry in manufacture as extra tent for edible fats, cocoa, butter and essences. In aviation industry as a aerosol propellant and refrigerant, in process and manufacturing industry used as general purpose solvent in chemical industries including pharma, agro and fragrances and Other usesages as an adhesive for polymethyl methacrylate.
Isopropyl Acetate
Isopropyl Acetate (C5H10O2) is an organic compound a product of condensation of acetic acid and isopropanol, a clear colourless liquid with a characteristic fruity odour. Isopropyl acetate is a fast evaporation solvent. Over three fourths of it is used in gravure printing inks for plastic films, in coating, perfumes and adhesives.
Iso Propyl Alcohol
Iso Propyl Alcohol (C3H8O) in Pharmaceutical industry used as a general purpose solvent and in Process manufacturing industry its used for manufacture of acetone, glycerol, isopropyl acetate and as a raw material for isopropyl esters. Also used in brewing in denaturing ethyl alcohol and cosmetics as a body rubs, after-shave & hand lotion.
Triphenylmethl Chloride
Triphenylmethl chloride or trityl chloride is a chlorinated hydrocarbon with a molecular formula of C2HCl3. It is colourless liquid with a sweet smell that is widely used as a vapour degreaser for metal parts. This product is a non-flammable liquid, having no measurable flashpoint or flammable limits in air. It is miscible with most organic solvents but only slightly miscible in water.
The major use of trichloroethylene is as an industrial solvent for the vapour de-greasing and cold cleaning of metal parts. Trichloroethylene is also used as an extraction solvent for greases, oils, fats, waxes, and tars, a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals (e.g. insecticides and fungicides) and as a refrigerant. It is also used in consumer products such as paint stripper, adhesive, cleansing fluids and correction fluids. The main user end market is the plastics, metal, paints, adhesive and cleansing industries.