Description
Petroleum Ether (CAS 8032-32-4) is a light petroleum solvent with a distillation range of 61-76°C, composed mainly of pentane and hexane. Despite the name, it contains no ether compounds — the term describes this hydrocarbon fraction’s light, volatile character, not its chemical structure.
What Makes This Petroleum Ether Different
Unlike broader industry-standard cuts, this product is distilled to a narrower 61-76°C range, giving it a more consistent evaporation profile than wider-cut alternatives. That consistency matters most in applications where solvent behavior needs to stay predictable from batch to batch, such as chromatographic separations and controlled extraction processes.
Key Specifications
| Item |
Specification |
| CAS Number |
8032-32-4 |
| Appearance |
Colorless, transparent, free of mechanical impurities |
| Distillation Range |
61–76°C |
| Benzene Content (Mass Fraction) |
≤0.1% |
| Density (20°C) |
655–680 kg/m³ |
Applications
In oil processing, this solvent extracts residual oil from seed and plant material efficiently, thanks to its low boiling point and easy recovery by distillation. In laboratory settings, it works as a developing agent and eluent for thin-layer and column chromatography, where its weak polarity helps separate non-polar compounds cleanly. Pharmaceutical and pesticide manufacturers also rely on it as an extractant during compound isolation steps.
For background on how this solvent fraction is defined and classified across the industry, see Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
Handling and Safety
This product is highly flammable. Store, handle, and transport it according to its Safety Data Sheet, and keep it away from ignition sources given its low flash point. Full SDS documentation is available on request.
Packaging
We supply this Petroleum Ether in ISO tank containers for bulk shipment.
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