What is the Difference Between Petroleum Benzene and Petroleum Ether?

06/23/2025 • Maryella Faratro

Petroleum benzene and petroleum ether are both solvents used in various applications, but they have different chemical compositions and properties. Here are the main differences between the two:

  1. Chemical Composition: Petroleum benzene, also known as petroleum benzine, is a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, while petroleum ether is a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons, mainly pentane and hexane.
  2. Boiling Point: The boiling point of petroleum benzene ranges from -20°C to 190°C, whereas the boiling point of petroleum ether is between 30°C and 100°C, depending on the fraction.
  3. Physical Properties: Petroleum benzene and petroleum ether are classified based on their physical properties, such as boiling point and vapor pressure, rather than a specific chemical composition. However, petroleum benzene can contain aromatic compounds like benzene, while petroleum ether does not contain ethers.
  4. Nonpolar Solvents: Both petroleum benzene and petroleum ether are used as nonpolar solvents, but petroleum ether is obtained from petroleum refineries as a portion of the distillate, while petroleum benzene is a hydrocarbon-based solvent mixture.

In summary, petroleum benzene is a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons with a wide boiling point range, while petroleum ether is a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons with a narrower boiling point range. Both are used as nonpolar solvents, but their compositions and properties may vary depending on their specific applications.

Comparative Table: Petroleum Benzene vs Petroleum Ether

Here is a table comparing the differences between petroleum benzene and petroleum ether:

Property Petroleum Benzene Petroleum Ether
Chemical Formula Mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons Mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons (mainly pentane and hexane)
Appearance Colourless liquid Colourless liquid
Boiling Point -20°C to 190°C 40-60°C
Flash Point -40°C Below 0°C
Aromatic Content Contains aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene Mainly comprises mixed aliphatic hydrocarbons with up to about 6 or 7 carbon atoms

Both petroleum benzene and petroleum ether are solvents with various applications. Petroleum benzene is a mixture of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, while petroleum ether is a mixture of mainly aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as pentane and hexane. The boiling point of petroleum benzene ranges from -20°C to 190°C, and it has a flash point of -40°C. In contrast, petroleum ether has a boiling point between 40°C and 60°C and a flash point below 0°C. Petroleum benzene contains aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, while petroleum ether consists mostly of mixed aliphatic hydrocarbons.

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