Naphtha

Figure 1. A bottle of naphtha used for cleaning.

Naphtha is a term used to refer to a group of volatile, flammable mixtures of liquid hydrocarbons that are used mainly as solvents, diluents, or raw materials for gasoline conversion. It is a lightweight petrochemical feedstock that is separated from crude oil in the fractional distillation process along with kerosene and jet fuel.

There are many specific types of naphtha that vary in the amounts and types of hydrocarbons contained in their unique blend.> Refineries can produce various forms of naphtha, and each has specific guidelines in how it should be handled and stored. Generally speaking, the flammability and volatility of naphtha should be taken into consideration as they are significant safety hazards.

Uses and Safety

As mentioned above, naphtha is commonly used as a solvent. It is used in hydrocarbon cracking, laundry soaps, and cleaning fluids. Naphtha is also used to make varnishes, and sometimes is used as a fuel for camp stoves and as a solvent (diluent) for paint. Although naphtha has many uses, some forms of it can be dangerous. Many kinds of naphtha can cause skin irritation, upset stomachs, and other health problems if people are exposed to them. Some forms are also carcinogens, and thus inhalation or ingestion of the chemical should be avoided.

For Further Reading

• Solvent
• Volatile
• Hydrocarbon
• Hydrocarbon cracking
• Fractional distillation
• Pollution
• Carcinogen
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