1. Properties:

• Appearance and physical form: White spirit is a transparent colorless liquid with a characteristic kerosene odor. It is a refined petroleum distillate with no rancid or unpleasant odor. The product is supplied in various grades (technical, laboratory, special) with different purity specifications.

• Solubility: White spirit is practically insoluble in water (100 µg/L at 25°C), but it mixes with most organic solvents, including other hydrocarbon solvents, alcohols, esters, and aromatic compounds. Its solubility profile makes it an excellent solvent for oils, fats, resins, waxes, and various organic compounds.

• Chemical properties: White spirit is a complex mixture of petroleum distillates consisting mainly of linear and branched alkanes (paraffins), cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Typically contains >65% C10 or higher hydrocarbons. The boiling range is 149–213°C (300–396°F), flash point — approximately 38°C (100–110°F). As a hydrocarbon solvent, it has excellent solvency for non-polar and moderately polar organic compounds. White spirit is flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air (LEL: 0.8%; UEL: 5%). It is incompatible with strong oxidizers and must be stored and handled in accordance with safety regulations for petroleum products.

• Regulatory status: White spirit is classified as a hazardous substance. According to GHS/CLP, it has hazard classifications including Aspiration hazard Category 1, Flammable liquid Category 3 and Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure) Category 1. May also be classified as Carcinogenicity Category 1B and Germ Cell Mutagenicity Category 1B if the benzene content exceeds 0.1%. The substance poses an aspiration hazard and may be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause damage to the central nervous system.

2. Application:

• Paints, coatings and thinners (main): White spirit is widely used as a thinner and solvent in the paint and coatings industry. It effectively dissolves oils, resins, and pigments, making it suitable for oil paints, varnishes, and enamels. It also serves as a xylene substitute in some formulations.

• Dry cleaning and textile industry: Widely used as a dry cleaning agent and for stain removal.

• Industrial cleaning: Effective degreaser for removing oils, greases and industrial contaminants from metal surfaces.

• Adhesives, sealants and aerosols: Used as a solvent in adhesives, rubber cements, and aerosol products.

• Printing inks and toners: Component of printing inks and solvent in some copier toners.

• Wood preservatives and asphalt products: Carrier solvent in wood preservative formulations and asphalt products.

3. Method of production:

• Industrial process:White spirit is obtained by fractional distillation of petroleum. The medium-boiling fraction (149–213°C) is collected and subjected to additional purification: hydrotreating or acid treatment to remove sulfur compounds, solvent extraction to reduce the content of aromatic hydrocarbons, distillation to achieve the required boiling range, drying and filtration.

4. Safety information:

• Hazard classification: White spirit is classified as a hazardous substance with hazard statements: H304 (May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways), H350 (May cause cancer if benzene content >0.1%), H340 (May cause genetic defects if benzene content >0.1%), H372 (Causes damage to the central nervous system with prolonged or repeated exposure). Signal word: Dangerous. NFPA: Health hazard 1, Flammability 2, Reactivity 0.

• Health hazards: Inhalation of vapors may cause respiratory irritation, headache and dizziness. May cause skin and eye irritation. Aspiration hazard if swallowed.

• First aid measures: If in eyes – rinse with water. On skin – wash with soap and water. If inhaled – fresh air. If swallowed – do NOT induce vomiting, give water or milk, seek medical attention.

• Fire and explosion hazard: Flammable liquid (flash point 38°C). Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air (LEL: 0.8%; UEL: 5%).

• Storage and stability:Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Shelf life: 24–60 months in sealed original containers.

• Regulatory compliance: White spirit (CAS#8052-41-3, EC#232-489-3) is listed in EINECS, TSCA, DSL registries. Regulated by OSHA (PEL: 500 ppm) and ACGIH (TLV: 100 ppm). Classification as a carcinogen or mutagen applies if benzene content exceeds 0.1%. For complete information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).