Petroleum ether is a mixture of light hydrocarbons obtained by petroleum fractionation. It is a colorless, transparent liquid with a kerosene odor, highly volatile and extremely flammable. It is a weakly polar aprotic solvent without oxygen atoms and is not a true ether.

1. Solvent: Extraction and dissolution of oils, fats, resins, rubber, essential oils and waxes; eluent for laboratory column chromatography / thin-layer chromatography (often used in combination with ethyl acetate).

2. Industrial cleaning: Degreasing, oil removal and paint stripping for machinery, electronics and precision instruments.

3. Chemical raw material: Diluent and solvent for coatings, inks, adhesives and aerosols.

4. Pharmaceutical / fragrance industry: Extraction of natural products and separation of essential oils.