Petroleum Ether – Premium ACS Grade

$27.00$42.00

Chemical Identification:

  • Chemical Name: Petroleum Ether (Petroleum Spirits)
  • Chemical Formula: Mixture of hydrocarbons (C₅–C₆ range)
  • CAS Number: 8032-32-4
  • EC Number: 232-453-7

Physical Properties:

  • Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
  • Odor: Mild, sweet, petroleum-like odor
  • Boiling Range:
    • Low boiling: 30–60°C
    • High boiling: 60–80°C
  • Density: 0.63–0.65 g/cm³ at 20°C
  • Flash Point: -40°C (closed cup)
  • Refractive Index: 1.368–1.375 at 20°C
  • Solubility:
    • Insoluble in water
    • Soluble in alcohols, ethers, and other organic solvents

Chemical Properties:

  • Hydrocarbon Composition: Saturated alkanes (pentanes, hexanes)
  • Purity: ≥ 99% hydrocarbons
  • Acidity: Neutral pH
  • Water Content: ≤ 0.05%
  • Non-Volatile Residue: ≤ 0.001%

Description

Petroleum Ether is a volatile, light hydrocarbon solvent commonly used in industrial, laboratory, and extraction applications. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a low boiling range, making it an excellent solvent for fats, oils, and waxes. Despite its name, Petroleum Ether is not an ether but a refined petroleum distillate.

Applications of Petroleum Ether:

Laboratory Applications

  • Solvent for Chromatography:
    • Commonly used as a solvent in column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for separating non-polar compounds.
  • Sample Preparation:
    • Ideal for dissolving non-polar substances and preparing samples for analysis.
  • Extraction:
    • Frequently used for extracting lipids, oils, and other non-polar compounds from mixtures.

Industrial Applications

  • Cleaning Agent:
    • Removes grease, waxes, and oils from machinery, surfaces, and equipment.
  • Manufacturing:
    • Utilized in the formulation of adhesives, paints, varnishes, and coatings.
  • Rubber and Plastics:
    • Acts as a solvent in processing and manufacturing.

Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Drug Synthesis:
    • Used as a reaction medium or solvent in the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds.
  • Extraction:
    • Employed in the preparation of plant-based extracts or chemical precursors.

Food Industry

  • Oil Extraction:
    • Used for the extraction of non-edible oils, particularly in industrial processes.

Environmental and Research Applications

  • Soil Testing:
    • Assists in the analysis of hydrocarbon contamination in soil and water samples.
  • Environmental Analysis:
    • Used in testing and monitoring for non-polar contaminants.

Specialty Applications

  • Aerosols and Sprays:
    • Found in the production of aerosol products as a solvent or propellant.
  • Polishes and Waxes:
    • Used in household and automotive products for cleaning and polishing.
  • R&D:
    • Essential in research labs for testing and chemical experimentation.

Miscellaneous Uses

  • Fuels and Lubricants:
    • Acts as a component in certain fuel formulations and in cleaning lubricant residues.
  • Household Products:
    • Included in cleaning agents for its quick evaporation and efficient grease removal.

Storage and Handling:

  • Storage Conditions:
    • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
    • Keep containers tightly closed and grounded during storage.
  • Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended conditions

Safety Information:

  • Hazard Classification: Highly flammable, harmful if inhaled, and may cause skin and eye irritation.
  • Precautions:
    • Use in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
    • Avoid direct skin contact and prolonged inhalation.
    • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Available upon request

Additional information

Size

500mL (16 Fl Oz), 1000mL (32 Fl Oz)