Petroleum Ether

Petroleum Ether is a volatile, flammable mixture of liquid hydrocarbons that is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process. Petroleum ether – also known as benzine, X4, or Ligroin – is a middle distillate found in between the lighter naphtha and heavier kerosine.

Fractional Distillation, Oil Refining infographic, vector

Petroleum ether has a specific gravity of between 0.6 and 0.8.

Petroleum Ether Structure

Petroleum ether isn’t, in fact, an ether. It has been lumped in with the ethers due to its inherent volatility and flammability. However, true ethers are gases, not liquids. Petroleum ether lacks the -O- that is present in true ethers.

The structure of petroleum ether is C6H14 and is an alipathic hydrocarbon.

Petroleum Ether Melting Point: -180 degrees C

Petroleum Ether Boiling Point: 60-80 degrees C

Petroleum Ether Molecular Weight: 86.178 g/mol

Petroleum Ether Vapor Density: 2.5 (vs air)

Petroleum Ether Density: 0.660-0.680 g/mL at 20 degrees C

Petroleum Ether Specific Gravity: 0.6 – 0.8

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Whether it’s oil and gas, power, or renewables that is your chosen career path, our e-learning courses can help you get a leg up on the competition and get your food in the door.

We often hear from learners who successfully use our courses to prepare for the interview process. After all, you’re using the same courses that companies themselves use to prepare their teams.

As this student passed on:

I would like to thank you for your brilliant Oil 101 materials. I did use it to prepare for the recruitment process, and managed to take a new role in the oil and gas industry!

Get started with our Energy 101 courses today!