Petroleum ether is a colorless transparent liquid with a kerosene odor. Mainly a mixture of pentane and hexane. Insoluble in water, soluble in most organic solvents such as absolute ethanol, benzene, chloroform and oils. It is flammable and explosive, and can react strongly with oxidants. Mainly used as solvent and grease treatment. It is usually obtained from platinum reforming raffinate or straight-run gasoline through fractional distillation, hydrogenation or other methods. In laboratory column chromatography, petroleum ether (PE) and ethyl acetate (EA) are commonly used as eluents. Generally, there are 30～60℃, 60～90℃, 90～120℃ boiling range specifications. Petroleum ether is not equal to gasoline. At the same time, there is no ether bond (C-O-C) in its structure.
Chemical properties
Its vapor and air can form an explosive mixture, which can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames and high heat energy. When burning in the air, the flame is bright and has strong black smoke. When it burns completely, it does not produce any smoke. It can react with oxidants. After high-speed impact, flow, and agitation, it can cause combustion and explosion due to electrostatic spark discharge. Its vapor is heavier than air and can spread to a considerable distance at a lower place, and will ignite when it encounters a fire source.
Function and purpose
Mainly used as a solvent and as a grease extraction. Used as organic solvent and chromatographic analysis solvent; used as organic high-efficiency solvent, pharmaceutical extractant, fine chemical synthesis auxiliary, etc.; also used in organic synthesis and chemical raw materials.
Used in organic synthesis and chemical raw materials, such as the preparation of synthetic rubber, plastics, nylon monomers, synthetic detergents, pesticides, etc., it is also a good organic solvent. Mainly used as a solvent, also used as a foaming agent for foamed plastics, an extractant for drugs and flavors
Notes
Dangerous
Toxicological data: LD50: 40mg/kg (mouse intravenous) LC50: 3400ppm 4 hours (rat inhalation).
Chronic toxicity: Rats inhaled 2.76g/m3/day for 230 days, reduced nocturnal activity, mild abnormal reaction of the reticuloendothelial system, degeneration of the peripheral nerve myelin sheath, mild axon changes, and mild atrophy of gastrocnemius muscle fibers. It also accumulates in the human body and is a neurotoxic agent.
Health hazards: Its vapor or mist is irritating to eyes, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. Poisoning can include burning sensation, cough, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. This product can cause peripheral neuritis. Strongly irritating to the skin.
Environmental hazards: Harmful to the environment, and can cause pollution to water bodies, soil and atmosphere.
Explosion hazard: This product is extremely flammable and highly irritating.
First aid measures
Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing immediately, and rinse the skin thoroughly with soap and water. Seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Lift the eyelid immediately, and rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: quickly leave the scene to a place with fresh air. Keep the airway unobstructed. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink milk or egg white. Seek medical attention.
Fire-fighting measures
Hazardous combustion products: carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide.
Fire fighting method: spray water to cool the container, and if possible, move the container from the fire scene to an open place. If the container in the fire scene has changed color or produces sound from the safety relief device, it must be evacuated immediately.
Extinguishing agent: foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder, sand. Extinguishing with water is ineffective.
Emergency treatment
Emergency treatment: Quickly evacuate personnel from the contaminated area to a safe area, isolate them, and strictly restrict access. Cut off the fire source. It is recommended that emergency personnel wear self-contained positive pressure respirators and anti-static overalls. Cut off the source of leakage as much as possible. Prevent entry into restricted spaces such as sewers and flood drains.
Small leakage: Use activated carbon or other inert materials to absorb. It can also be scrubbed with an emulsion made of a non-flammable dispersant, and the lotion is diluted and put into the waste water system.
A large number of leaks: build a dike or dig a pit for storage. Cover with foam to reduce steam hazards. Use explosion-proof pump to transfer to tank truck or special collector, recycle or transport to waste disposal site for disposal.
Operation storage
Operation precautions: airtight operation, full ventilation. Operators must undergo special training and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear filter-type gas masks (half masks), chemical safety glasses, anti-static overalls, and rubber oil-resistant gloves. Keep away from fire and heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment. Prevent the vapor from leaking into the air in the workplace. Avoid contact with oxidants. When handling, load and unload with care to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Equipped with corresponding types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment. Empty containers may be harmful residues.
Storage precautions: Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The storage temperature should not exceed 25℃. Keep the container tightly closed. should be kept away from oxidizer, do not store together. Use explosion-proof lighting and ventilation facilities. It is forbidden to use mechanical equipment and tools that are prone to sparks. The storage area should be equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment and suitable storage materials.