solvent

Solvents are liquid or gaseous substances that are widely used in chemistry and industry. They are used to dissolve, dilute or suspend other substances. Solvents are an important component of paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning agents, lubricants and many other products.

There are different types of solvents that are used for different purposes. Polar solvents like water dissolve polarized substances like salts, acids and alcohols. Non-polar solvents such as petrol, oil or acetone dissolve non-polar substances such as grease, wax and resin. In addition, there are also special solvents that have been developed for specific applications, such as acetone for cleaning electronic devices or carbon tetrachloride for dry cleaning.

Although solvents are essential in many industries, they can also be harmful to health and the environment. Many solvents are toxic, volatile and flammable. Some can affect the nervous system, cause cancer, or damage the ozone layer. Because of this, many countries have strict regulations governing the use of solvents to minimize their impact on health and the environment.