Place a standing order for your petroleum ether and never worry about maintaining stock in your lab.

Petroleum ether is a valuable solvent for many non-polar compounds, including fats, lipids, and oils.

It is governed by guidelines.

Products so identified must ship as hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

We welcome you to contact our Customer Service department for additional details about HAZMAT shipping requirements and surcharge fees.

In general, HAZMAT fees apply whenever shipped by either UPS or FedEx, currently $44.00 per shipping carton for ground shipment. Air shipments require a $130.00 fee.

To avoid most HAZMAT fees, if your order contains hazardous materials that require four or more shipping cartons, we will route via common carrier, which may not have any, or have greatly reduced, HAZMAT fees.

In general, HAZMAT fees apply whenever shipped by either UPS or FedEx, currently $44.00 per shipping carton for ground shipment. Air shipments require a $130.00 fee.

Additionally, some products identified as HAZMAT may qualify for “Limited Quantity” regulations, eliminating the need for HAZMAT fees. HAZMAT orders are exempted from our 1-2-3 Day Delivery Program.

What is petroleum ether used for?

Aside from its most common use as a solvent for extractions, petroleum ether is used as:

• A cleaner. Since it easily dissolves greases, oils, and waxes, petroleum ether is used as a cleaning agent for laboratory equipment and in industrial settings to clean machinery and electronic components.
• A carrier in the formulation of pesticides. It’s a common way to facilite the application or improve the effectiveness of the active ingredients.
• A chromatography solvent. Its nonpolar nature makes it ideal for the separation and analysis of compounds.
• A medium for reactions. In synthetic organic chemistry, it’s inertness and volatility make it a particularly good medium for reactions involving highly reactive compounds.
• A reference standard. In gas chromatography, it’s used as a reference compound to measure the purity of other chemicals

What are petroleum ether hazards?

Petroleum ether’s most significant hazard is flammability. It’s highly flammable with a low flashpoint. It can easily ignite at room temperature, posing a significant risk of fire and explosion, especially in areas with poor ventilation or in the presence of sparks or open flames.

Specific hazard statements for petroleum ether include:

• H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
• H304 May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
• H315 Causes skin irritation.
• H320 Causes eye irritation.
• H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• H401 Toxic to aquatic life.
• H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements from the MSDS include:

• P210 Keep away from heat/ sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking.
• P243+P240 Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
• P273 Avoid release to the environment.
• P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
• P301+P310+P331 IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Do NOT induce vomiting.
• P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. Keep container tightly closed.
• P370+P378 In case of fire: Use foam, carbon dioxide or dry powder for extinction.
• P501 Dispose of product/container in accordance with all applicable regulations.