Petroleum Ether

Petroleum Ether: Properties, Industrial Applications, and Global Sourcing (Price)

Petroleum Ether. Often misunderstood as a single chemical entity, it is actually a highly refined range of light hydrocarbon fractions. Whether you are operating in a laboratory environment, a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, or an industrial cleaning facility, understanding the nuances of this solvent is essential for efficiency and safety.

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we bridge the gap between high-grade chemical production and laboratory-ready supply. This guide serves as the ultimate resource for procurement officers, chemists, and industrial engineers looking to optimize their solvent acquisition strategy.


1. What is Petroleum Ether? (Decoding the Solvent)

Petroleum ether, also known in various global markets as ligroinpetroleum spirit, or benzine (not to be confused with benzene), is a group of volatile, highly flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. Despite its name, it is not an ether in the chemical sense (which contains an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl groups). Instead, it consists primarily of alkanes, such as pentane, hexane, and heptane.

Why is it so widely used?

The value of petroleum ether lies in its specific boiling point ranges. Because different industrial processes require different evaporation rates, the industry categorizes petroleum ether by its distillation temperature.

Common Boiling Point Fractions:

  • 30–60°C: Highly volatile, used in fast-drying applications.
  • 40–60°C: The “Gold Standard” for laboratory extractions.
  • 60–80°C: A balanced solvent for heavy-duty industrial cleaning.
  • 80–100°C and beyond: Used in specialized industrial degreasing and coatings.

2. Technical Specifications and Properties

Understanding the chemical profile is vital for compliance and safety.

Property Value/Description
IUPAC Name Hydrocarbons, C5-C11
CAS Number 8032-32-4
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Odor Characteristic gasoline-like odor
Flammability Extremely flammable (Flash point < -20°C)
Solubility Insoluble in water; miscible with organic solvents

For detailed Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Certificates of Analysis (CoA), visit our product portal at ChemicalsSuppliers.com.


3. Industrial Applications: Beyond the Lab

Petroleum ether is the unsung hero of many manufacturing sectors. Here is how it powers global industry:

A. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Extraction

It is the primary solvent used to extract oils, fats, and waxes from biological samples. Its low boiling point allows for easy removal via evaporation without damaging thermally sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

B. Industrial Cleaning and Degreasing

In the automotive and aerospace industries, petroleum ether is utilized to remove heavy greases and oils from precision components. Its non-corrosive nature makes it ideal for metal parts.

C. Laboratory Chromatography

Purified grades of petroleum ether act as a non-polar mobile phase in column chromatography, enabling the separation of complex botanical compounds.

D. Adhesives and Coatings

It acts as a carrier solvent in rubber cements and specialized quick-set adhesives, ensuring rapid evaporation after application.


4. Market Trends and Pricing Factors

The price of petroleum ether is inherently linked to global crude oil trends. Because it is a product of atmospheric distillation, its availability fluctuates with the demand for gasoline and naphtha.

  • Current Market Pricing: Prices typically range from $15 to $45 per liter depending on purity grade (Technical Grade vs. ACS Reagent Grade) and order volume.
  • Bulk Discounts: At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we offer tiered pricing for industrial-scale procurement, allowing manufacturers to reduce overheads significantly compared to lab-tier suppliers.

Note: For live quotes tailored to your region, please use our Contact Form.


5. 50 Essential Chemical Products Sourced via Chemicalssuppliers.com

Our platform provides access to a vast catalog of industrial solvents and reagents. Below are 50 key chemicals frequently sourced alongside petroleum ether:

  1. n-Hexane (High purity)
  2. n-Heptane (HPLC Grade)
  3. Diethyl Ether (Anhydrous)
  4. Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride)
  5. Ethyl Acetate
  6. Acetone (ACS Grade)
  7. Methanol (Industrial Grade)
  8. Ethanol (Denatured)
  9. Toluene
  10. Xylene (Mixed isomers)
  11. Chloroform
  12. Isopropanol (IPA)
  13. Cyclohexane
  14. Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
  15. Acetonitrile
  16. Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)
  17. Tetrahydrofuran (THF)
  18. Dimethylformamide (DMF)
  19. Acetic Acid (Glacial)
  20. Hydrochloric Acid (37%)
  21. Sulfuric Acid (Reagent Grade)
  22. Nitric Acid
  23. Sodium Hydroxide (Pellets)
  24. Potassium Hydroxide
  25. Ammonium Hydroxide
  26. Hydrogen Peroxide (30-50%)
  27. Glycerol (Analytical Grade)
  28. Formic Acid
  29. Benzene
  30. Carbon Tetrachloride (Restricted)
  31. Pentane
  32. Octane
  33. Iso-octane
  34. Petroleum Spirit 40/60
  35. Petroleum Spirit 60/80
  36. Petroleum Spirit 100/120
  37. Naphtha (Light)
  38. Kerosene (Purified)
  39. Mineral Spirits
  40. Turpentine (Synthetic)
  41. Butyl Acetate
  42. Cyclohexanone
  43. Propylene Glycol
  44. Ethylene Glycol
  45. Diethylene Glycol
  46. Triethylene Glycol
  47. Formaldehyde Solution
  48. Acetaldehyde
  49. Benzaldehyde
  50. Phenol (Crystalline)

Access the full catalog at ChemicalsSuppliers.com.


6. Safety, Handling, and Storage Protocols

Given the extreme volatility of petroleum ether, safety is the highest priority.

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. Use flame-proof cabinets for indoor storage.
  • PPE: Always wear chemical-resistant gloves (Nitrile or Viton), safety goggles, and a lab coat. In confined spaces, use organic vapor respirators.
  • Static Grounding: When transferring large volumes, ensure all containers are grounded to prevent static spark ignition.

For further regulatory guidance, refer to the OSHA Guidelines for Flammable Liquids.


7. Global Multi-Language Indexing (Keywords & Synonyms)

To assist our global partners, we have indexed the following keywords across multiple languages. If you are seeking “Petroleum Ether,” these terms will help you locate the product in international markets:

Top Global Search Terms:

  • Mandarin (Chinese): 石油醚 (Shíyóu mí)
  • Hindi: पेट्रोलियम ईथर
  • Spanish: Éter de petróleo
  • Arabic: إيثر البترول (Ithar al-bitrawl)
  • French: Éther de pétrole
  • Korean: 석유 에테르 (Seogyu etereu)
  • Cantonese: 石油醚 (Seke yau mei)
  • Portuguese: Éter de petróleo
  • Indonesian: Eter minyak bumi
  • Russian: Петролейный эфир (Petroleynyy efir)
  • German: Petrolether
  • Japanese: 石油エーテル (Sekiyu ēteru)
  • Vietnamese: Ete dầu mỏ
  • Shanghainese: 石油醚
  • Turkish: Petrol eteri

Synonyms for Enhanced Discovery:

  • Ligroin
  • Petroleum Spirit
  • Benzine
  • Light Petroleum
  • VM&P Naphtha
  • Hydrocarbon Solvent
  • ASTM D1835 solvent

8. Why Partner with ChemicalsSuppliers.com?

When you work with ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you aren’t just buying a chemical; you are securing a supply chain partner. We offer:

  1. Global Logistics: Whether you are in Dubai, Houston, Shanghai, or Berlin, we manage the complexities of chemical shipping and hazmat compliance.
  2. Quality Assurance: All our products undergo strict batch testing, ensuring your results remain consistent across every order.
  3. Comprehensive Documentation: We provide COA, MSDS, and compliance certifications for all major regulatory bodies (REACH, FDA, ISO).
  4. Competitive Pricing: By cutting out the middle-man, we pass the savings directly to our industrial partners.

How to Order

  1. Visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com.
  2. Search for your required solvent or CAS number.
  3. Request a quote for your specific quantity.
  4. Receive your shipment with full tracking and safety documentation.

9. Conclusion

Petroleum ether remains an indispensable tool in modern science and industry. From its role in lifesaving pharmaceutical extractions to its critical function in heavy-duty degreasing, it is a chemical that drives progress. By choosing a reliable supplier, you ensure the safety, purity, and consistency required to excel in your field.

Ready to streamline your chemical sourcing? Visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com today to browse our extensive inventory and request your wholesale quote.


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