Solvents 

What Is A Solvent?

An industrial-grade chemical compound called solvent is available in  powder and liquid forms with different concentrations and purity levels. It also comes in solid as well as gaseous forms. The solvent available as a form of solution can dissolve in other liquids commonly known as solutes.
The solvents are used in a wide range of lab and industrial applications such as chemical processing, paint manufacturing, substrate surface cleaning, sterilizing medical equipment, essential oil extraction, polymer processing and many more. It comprises various compounds and chemicals that are mixed in highly proportionate amounts and chemically reacted. The selection of the compound depends on the properties of the solute, desired characteristics of the solution, and application areas.

Different Types of Solvents

In the market, there are many solvents which can be classified based on their chemical structure, physical properties, and usage. Given below are some common types of solvents:

• ->Polar solvents: They have a partial positive and negative charge that makes them readily soluble within various polar solutes that include salts, acids, and alcohols.
• ->Non-polar solvents: These solvents do not have a permanent dipole moment. They have a low dielectric constant, and there is no charge separation.
• ->Aprotic solvents: A solvent in this category does not have a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen or nitrogen atom. They are used in organic reactions.
• ->Protic solvents: These solvents have a hydrogen-oxygen or hydrogen-nitrogen bond and can donate hydrogen ions. They are used in acid-base chemical reactions.
• ->Halogenated solvents: These solvents are in high demand within industrial applications such as cleaning and degreasing due to their excellent capabilities to remove oil-based substances. They contain halogen atoms.

Benefits of Solvents

Solvents are highly beneficial as compared to other chemical compounds due to the following reasons:

• Dissolving power: As they are mostly available in liquid form, there are high chances of these chemicals getting dissolved in various types of chemicals or reactants.
• Reaction medium: These compounds can serve as a reaction medium in several chemical reactions to control the reaction rate by suspending reactants and products.
• Cleaning power: The solvents can also be used for manufacturing cleaning agents that can be used in homes, offices, hospitals, and industrial facilities to clean floors.
• Lubrication properties: There is a wide range of solvents that inhibits lubrication properties that help reduce friction between two surfaces.
• Solvent evaporation: Beneficial in drying or concentrating certain substances as these chemicals help to initiate the chemical evaporation process.
• Transportation: These liquid solvents can be easily transported within plastic as well as tin containers without any risk of leakages and reactions with atmospheric contaminants.
• Compatibility: They can be selected based on their compatibility and dispersing power with other materials.

Safety Considerations of Solvents

Since solvents are prepared by using chemical ingredients that may be toxic or non-toxic in nature, it is advised to handle and use them properly to avoid accidents and health hazards. Some general safety tips to keep in mind while working with solvents:

• Ventilation: The working area should have proper ventilation as the reaction between solvents and other industrial compounds may release toxic fumes harmful to the human respiratory system if inhaled, so it is important to use a fume hood to allow fresh air to circulate.
• Personal protective equipment: It is a lightweight and highly flexible protective gear that acts as a shield against corrosive chemicals, fumes, and hazardous by-products produced during chemical processes. It usually consists of gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and respirator.
• Storage: As solvents are highly reactive and flammable, store them in cool and dry places far from the reach of heat or ignition.
• Disposal: Solvents contain corrosive as well as toxic chemical ingredients that may cause damage to the environment if they are not disposed of properly.
• Toxicity: There are various types of solvents that may cause mild to chronic side effects to the human body if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin; always use personal protection gear for your safety.

FAQs: Solvents

Q. What is solvent used for?

Ans: Solvents are highly reactive compounds that are usually available in liquid form, but they are also available in powder, solid and gaseous forms as per the applications. These chemicals are used in various industrial applications such as production of cleaning agents, paints & coatings, pigments, binders, adhesives, essential oils, semi-conductors, electronic devices, polymers, chemical compounds, pharmaceutical ingredients, and many more. Apart from manufacturing various types of products, solvents can also be used for cleaning, chemical processing, and various other applications. It can also be used as an additive to dilute to raise the concentration of liquid chemicals.

Q. How do solvents work?

Ans: Solvents can work with various types of chemicals in different physical forms, such as liquids, solids, and gases, by dissolving and dispersing at faster rate. When combined with other substances, the molecules of this compound start to split due to charge interaction between various elements present within the mixture. The polarity and molecular size of both the mixing materials play an essential role in determining the interaction between the solvent and substances with which it is to be mixed. The pressure and temperature conditions also help to alter the reaction rate and the concentration of the substance being dissolved. It can also function as a catalyst to enhance the reactivity rate and increase yield. Solvents can be mixed directly or with the help of laboratory apparatus in chemical labs.

Q. What are examples of solvents?

Ans: There are a number of solvents per their own physical and chemical properties. Some examples of solvents are:

• DMF: Also called dimethylformamide, this polar aprotic solvent finds use in many industrial applications.
• Atonic: Also called non-polar solvents, it does not have a positive and negative end.
• Acetone: It is an industrial-grade chemical substance that is in high demand within various sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and plastics. It can also be used as a cleaning agent.
• Hexane: This non-polar solvent is available in liquid form and is commonly used in the extraction of oils from plants and in the production of rubber.
• Ethanol: Ethanol belongs to the class of polar solvents that shows excellent flammability to be used as a fuel. It can also be used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
• Toluene: Toluene is in high demand for the production of paints, coatings, and adhesives.

Q. What is organic solvent?

Ans: The organic solvent is an industrial-class chemical compound with carbon atoms that are used to dissolve or extract various organic materials, including oils, fats, waxes, and many more. It is classified as polar and non-polar as per its chemical structure and physical properties. It is utilized in several industries such as pharmaceutical, plastic, chemical, and many more.

Q. Why is it called solvent?

Ans: The word solvent is derived from the Latin word “solvens” which means dissolving due to solvents' quick solubility and dispersion with other chemical substances. The ability to loosen the solute’s particle results in an increased solubility rate and dissolving power.