Petroleum ether 40/60

Petroleum ether 40/60 is a fraction of light hydrocarbons (mainly aliphatic hydrocarbons, C5–C7) obtained from petroleum distillation.

Main characteristics:

• Clear, highly volatile liquid with a gasoline-like odor.

• Boiling range — 40–60 °C.

• Practically insoluble in water, miscible with most organic solvents.

• Used as an organic solvent (for fats, oils, rubber, waxes, resins).

Applications:

• In laboratories — for extraction, purification of substances, washing.

• In industry — as a solvent for varnishes, paints, rubber, insecticides.

• In medicine and pharmacy — as an extractant (for isolating active compounds from plant material).

⚠️ Hazards:

• Highly flammable liquid (flash point below 0 °C).

• Vapors form explosive mixtures with air.

• May cause dizziness, headache, irritation of mucous membranes.