What Is a Solvent? Types, Functions, and Uses in Industry

A solvent is a fluid used in petrochemical and other industries. The role of a solvent is to dissolve other substances. In the manufacturing process, you can use ethanol, acetone, and water as industrial solvents. Then, how does a solvent work, and what are the types? Read the complete explanation below.

What Is a Solvent?

A solvent dissolves compounds to form solutions. It can be found in various products on the market, such as perfumes, aerosol sprays, and adhesives. The most common solvents used in the industry are water, kerosene, acetone, and ethanol.

A solvent can come from hydrocarbons or aromatics. Its main tasks are to be a medium for chemical synthesis, a dissolvent agent, and an industrial cleaner.

The history of a solvent dates back to the prehistoric era. The ancient Egyptians used a solvent for cosmetics and embalming. Then, the Assyrians used ethanol for medication.

The ancient Romans used ammonia and alkali to remove stains from clothing. It was during this time that the dry-cleaning method was developed, in which clothes were not washed with water but with solvents, since water could damage very delicate fabrics. Solvents could remove stains without damaging the fabric.

This breakthrough continued to evolve until 1825, when Jean-Baptiste Jolly realized that a lamp oil spill on a tablecloth actually helped remove stains without damaging the fabric. From that incident, the modern dry-cleaning method was born, in which Jolly used camphene (a turpentine-based liquid used as lamp oil) to remove stains from clothing.

However, many solvents are highly flammable, including those used in dry cleaning. That is why dry cleaning establishments are restricted in densely populated areas. Nevertheless, in the 1930s, the dry cleaning industry developed a non-flammable solvent, perchloroethylene (perc), although it is not recommended due to its carcinogenic properties.

It is important to note that most solvents are toxic to animals and humans. Some are dangerous if ingested or touched. That is why solvents must be stored and handled properly to minimize the risk of harm.

How a Solvent Works

A solvent is any fluid able to dissolve other substances. The compounds are called "solutes," while the final product is "solutions." The dissolving process occurs through physical interactions between solvent molecules and solute molecules.

The solute molecules will break their intermolecular bonds and form new bonds with the solvent molecules. This process separates the solute molecules and disperses them among the solvent molecules. However, the solute does not lose any of its molecules.

If the intermolecular forces of the solute are too strong, it will be unable to form bonds with the solvent molecules, meaning that the substance is insoluble. On the other hand, if the solvent molecules can break the intermolecular forces of the solute, the substance is soluble.

The primary function of a solvent is to form a solution, but its secondary function depends on the intended use of the solution. For example, solvents in paints and coatings are used to carry the solute. Eventually, the solvent will evaporate, leaving a layer of paint or coating on the surface. Until they are finally applied to a surface like a wall, paint and coatings must remain liquid. Similarly, when the adhesive is applied to a surface, the solvent evaporates, and the adhesive hardens.

Furthermore, when it comes to products containing solvents, you may see the term “solvent-based,” such as on solvent-based paint. While most paints contain solvents, “solvent-based” specifically means the paint contains solvents other than water, such as toluene or turpentine. In contrast to solvent-based paints, water-based paints are labeled as such.

Types of Solvents

Solvents are classified based on polarity, hydrogen atom composition, and chemical composition. The complete information is as follows:

Based on polarity:

Polar solvent: It has positive and negative poles. The example is water. A polar solvent dissolves polar substances like salt.
Non-polar solvent: It does not have poles. The example is benzene. A non-polar solvent dissolves non-polar substances, like oil and grease.

Based on chemical compositions:

Organic solvent: It contains carbon and can be oxygenated. The examples are alcohol and ketone.
Inorganic solvent: It does not contain carbon. Examples include water and ammonia.

Based on hydrogen atom composition:

Protic solvent: It can donate hydrogen bonds because it has hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms, such as nitrogen or oxygen. Examples include water, ethanol, methanol, and acetic acid.
Aprotic solvent: It does not have hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms, so it cannot form hydrogen bonds. Yet, it can accept hydrogen bonds. Examples include acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Uses of Solvents

A solvent has a significant role in consumer products. Here are the common uses of solvents:

Paint: A solvent dissolves the components in paint formulations, creating a specific consistency and preventing it from clumping. For spray paint, a solvent, like glycol ether ester, is added to prevent the paint from drying in the air before it touches the surface.
Ink: A solvent keeps ink colors vibrant and allows for optimal application. Toluene is an example of a solvent commonly used in ink.
Cosmetics: A solvent provides the right consistency for lotions, shaving creams, and powders. Acetone is also used in nail polish remover.
Cleaning products: Glycol ethers are often found in floor and glass cleaners. These substances can dissolve fats and oils and are compatible with water. Isoparaffin is used for dry cleaning because it is safe for health and the environment, cleans well and efficiently, and has a mild odor.
Pharmaceuticals: Solvents are used in a wide variety of pharmaceutical products and medications. An example of a solvent commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry is butyl acetate for purifying penicillin.
Automotive: Solvents, like isopropyl alcohol, are used to remove stains and snow from windshields.

Entrust Your Solvent Chemical Needs to Chandra Asri Group

A solvent is one of the crucial materials in manufacturing products since it dissolves substances and becomes a medium for chemical reactions. To ensure the products function well, you must use high-quality solvents.

Chandra Asri Group, as #YourGrowthPartner and a prominent chemical solution company in Southeast Asia, offers toluene, a by-product of styrene monomer. Toluene can be used as a solvent for various applications, such as paint thinner.

Aside from toluene, we also offer olefins, polyolefins, butadiene, chlor-alkali, and other industrial chemicals, ready for a range of manufacturing processes.

Ensure that your industrial processes use high-quality chemicals! Contact us now to get the best offer!