Solvents

Solvents are organic chemicals and form an important part of theIndian petrochemical industry. Being an organic chemical it contains as its important constituents oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. A solvent is usually used to dissolve a liquid, gaseous or solid solute which results in a solution.

The industry of solvents is going through sluggish growth. For being an intermediate, the demand for solvents is dependent totally on the industry of end user. That is the reason that the industry of solvents is suffering from built up capacity which is in excess. The solvents industry is highly technology intensive and so requires a lot of capital investment. The solvents industry is highly organized for it has only a limited number of companies operating within it. At present, the industry is dominated by PSUs and private companies.

The different kinds of solvents are sold to OEMs directly and also through the distribution channels which consist of dealers and stockists. They address the smaller segments or the market of retail. Solvents are highly flammable and also they evaporate easily.

So the production, trans portion, and use of them requires careful handling. And this to a certain extend also contributes in increasing the cost of the solvents.The prices of solvents are highly volatile for it is totally dependent on the international market. Even when it is not economically justifiable, the producers are forced to match the prices with the international market.

The various kinds of solvents are:

• Turpentine
• Petrol ether
• Acetone
• Methyl acetate
• Toluene
• Ethyl acetate
• Hexane

The various uses of solvents are:

• Paint thinners
• Dry cleaning
• Spot removers
• Perfumes
• Detergents
• Chemical syntheses

Sales of solvents have not increased as have been expected. Efforts must be made by theIndian government and the petrochemical industry ofIndia so that this industry registers growth in the coming years.

Last Updated on 13 December 2011