Chemical laboratory

Petroleum Ether

High-Purity Laboratory Solvent for Extraction & Synthesis

  • CAS 8032-32-4
  • Formula Mixture of C₅-C₇ alkanes
  • Flash Pt -57 to -18°C (typical range, varies with grade)
  • Density 0.620-0.675 g/cm³ (typical range, varies with grade)
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 30-70°C (typical range, varies with grade) °C
Flash point -57 to -18°C (typical range, varies with grade) °C
Density 0.620-0.675 g/cm³ (typical range, varies with grade) g/cm³
Solubility Insoluble in water -
Ph N/A -
Molecular weight Varies g/mol
Melting point Varies °C
Vapor pressure Varies with composition and temperature mmHg
Autoignition temp 240-280 °C -
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid -
Odor Gasoline-like -
Vapor density Varies (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Petroleum ether is a highly volatile, clear, colorless liquid hydrocarbon mixture consisting primarily of C₅-C₇ alkanes. Despite its name, petroleum ether is not an ether compound but rather a refined petroleum fraction with excellent solvent properties. With its low boiling point range of 30-70°C and gasoline-like odor, petroleum ether serves as an essential laboratory and industrial solvent for numerous applications requiring rapid evaporation and minimal residue.

Key Applications

  • Laboratory Extraction: Widely used for extracting lipids, oils, and other organic compounds from biological samples due to its excellent dissolving power for non-polar substances
  • Chromatography: Serves as a mobile phase solvent in thin-layer and column chromatography, particularly for separating non-polar compounds
  • Organic Synthesis: Functions as a reaction medium and cleaning agent in organic chemistry laboratories, offering fast evaporation and low residue
  • Industrial Solvent: Used in paint formulations, cleaning applications, and as a degreasing agent in manufacturing processes

Safety & Handling

Petroleum ether is extremely flammable with flash points ranging from -57 to -18°C, requiring strict fire prevention measures. Work in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods to prevent vapor accumulation. Essential personal protective equipment includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and flame-resistant clothing. Eliminate all ignition sources including static electricity, open flames, and hot surfaces. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment when handling large quantities.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store petroleum ether in tightly sealed, grounded metal containers away from heat, sparks, and incompatible materials. Maintain storage temperatures below 25°C in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, acids, and bases. Use appropriate bonding and grounding procedures during transfer operations. When properly stored in original containers, petroleum ether maintains its quality for extended periods.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical provides high-quality Petroleum Ether with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS, LTL, and FTL shipping to meet your timeline requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) ensuring you receive consistent, reliable products for your critical applications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Will-call pickup available at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Most orders ship in 1-2 business days from Taylor, TX

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is petroleum ether and what is it used for?
Petroleum ether is a light, nonpolar mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons (not a single compound) used as a fast-evaporating solvent. It is commonly used for laboratory extraction, degreasing, chromatography, and various industrial cleaning and processing applications.
How should petroleum ether be stored and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, well‑ventilated area away from heat, sparks and oxidizers, in tightly closed, grounded containers or approved flammable-storage cabinets. The product is stable if stored properly; manufacturers typically recommend checking the SDS and COA and using stock within the manufacturer’s advised period (commonly 1–3 years) or as specified on the certificate.
Is petroleum ether hazardous and what safety precautions are required?
Yes — petroleum ether is highly flammable and its vapors can form explosive mixtures; handle only in well‑ventilated areas or fume hoods with explosion‑proof equipment. Use appropriate PPE (chemical‑resistant gloves, safety goggles, flame‑resistant lab coat), follow the SDS for emergency measures, and ensure proper grounding/venting during transfer.
What do the different petroleum ether boiling ranges (e.g., 30–60 °C) mean?
Boiling‑range labels indicate the distillation cut and therefore volatility and solvency strength: lower ranges (e.g., 30–60 °C) are more volatile and evaporate faster, while higher ranges (e.g., 60–80 °C) evaporate more slowly and may dissolve slightly different components. Select the range based on required evaporation rate, solvency and flash‑point considerations for your application.
What documentation is provided with petroleum ether?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) or batch report, and a Technical Data Sheet (TDS); shipping papers and regulatory documents are available on request. These documents list composition, physical properties, handling instructions and regulatory classifications.
How is petroleum ether shipped and what packaging options are available?
Petroleum ether is transported as a flammable liquid under applicable ADR/IMDG/IATA and domestic regulations and requires appropriate UN/ADR labeling and packaging. Common packaging options include 1 L and 4 L bottles, 20 L cans, and 200 L drums or bulk tank containers, with carrier requirements varying by quantity and jurisdiction.
Which materials are compatible with petroleum ether and which should be avoided?
Petroleum ether is compatible with glass, stainless steel and many carbon steels and certain HDPE containers; it can swell or dissolve many rubbers, elastomers, coatings and some plastics. Use metal, PTFE or verified solvent‑resistant seals and fittings and avoid contact with strong oxidizers and incompatible polymers.
What technical specifications should I check before using petroleum ether?
Key specs include boiling range, purity (total aromatics/olefins), flash point, density, water content and any specified impurities; check the COA for batch‑specific values. These parameters determine suitability for extraction, chromatography and other lab/industrial processes.
Which industries and applications commonly use petroleum ether?
Petroleum ether is used in laboratory research, chemical and petrochemical processing, polymer and adhesive manufacturing, electronics cleaning, and industrial degreasing. It is valued where a low‑polarity, fast‑evaporating solvent is required for extractions, sample preparation and solvent cleaning.
How can I purchase petroleum ether and are there regulatory restrictions?
You can buy petroleum ether from chemical suppliers in various grades and pack sizes; orders often require a business account and declaration of intended industrial or laboratory use. Regulatory restrictions and transport requirements for flammable liquids apply, so check with the supplier regarding required documentation, permits and lead times.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
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