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.
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Petroleum ether, also known in various global markets as ligroin, petroleum 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.
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.
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 |
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Petroleum ether is the unsung hero of many manufacturing sectors. Here is how it powers global industry:
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).
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.
Purified grades of petroleum ether act as a non-polar mobile phase in column chromatography, enabling the separation of complex botanical compounds.
It acts as a carrier solvent in rubber cements and specialized quick-set adhesives, ensuring rapid evaporation after application.
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.
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Our platform provides access to a vast catalog of industrial solvents and reagents. Below are 50 key chemicals frequently sourced alongside petroleum ether:
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Given the extreme volatility of petroleum ether, safety is the highest priority.
For further regulatory guidance, refer to the OSHA Guidelines for Flammable Liquids.
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:
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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.
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