White spirit composition

White spirit composition
White spirit (also known as "petroleum ether" or "detergent") is primarily composed of a mixture of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Its core components and compositional characteristics are as follows:
Main Ingredients
n-Hexane: Typically comprising 60% to 80%, it is the key component in white spirit's degreasing and dissolving properties, and is also the primary source of its toxicity (long-term exposure can damage the nervous system).
Other Alkanes: It also contains small amounts of lower alkanes such as pentane (C5) and heptane (C7), as well as small amounts of isomers (such as isohexane). The specific proportions vary slightly depending on the production process and intended use (industrial grade, solvent grade, etc.).
Ingredient Characteristics
All are non-polar organic solvents with stable chemical properties. They are insoluble in water but readily soluble in organic materials such as grease, resin, and rubber, resulting in strong degreasing and dissolving abilities.
They have a low boiling point (approximately 60-90°C) and are highly volatile, which explains their rapid evaporation and minimal residue when used as cleaning agents or diluents. Due to the health hazards of n-hexane (chronic neurotoxicity), the use of white spirit has gradually been restricted or replaced by environmentally friendly alternatives (such as hydrocarbon cleaning agents, isopropyl alcohol, etc.).