Why is n-heptane a great choice for botanical extraction?

By Jillian Jastrzembski

When is n-heptane the best solvent for botanical extraction? Botanical extraction is an essential research tool for the study of bioactive compounds in plants. Plants, especially those used in traditional medicines, are considered a pharmacopeia of bioactive compounds. N-heptane is a popular solvent for botanical extraction of bioactive compounds, and is often used to replace n-hexane since it is thought to be the greener solvent choice. N-heptane refers to the pure straight-chain form of the 7-carbon alkane, without any impurities from other branched isomers. Therefore, it is preferred for high-precision analytical or laboratory experiments. Since n-heptane is a nonpolar compound, it is used when the analyte is also non-polar. It is sometimes combined in mixtures with slightly more polar compounds in order to extract a wider range of bioactive compounds.

Beginner’s guide to eco-friendly solvents

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Solvents are critical to our everyday lives and to chemical processes that keep the world turning as we know it. Solvents account for 80% of chemicals used in chemical processes, and are often difficult or impossible to replace. Rising concerns about the safety and environmental impact of certain solvents are the driving force behind legislature to eliminate the use of some chemicals. However, this rushed and unsophisticated approach has historically resulted in replacing toxic solvents with other equally toxic – but less studied – solvents. Researchers strive to streamline a more sophisticated approach towards greener solvents. The greenest solvents are generally considered to be: methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, and acetone.

Mineral Spirits, Varsol, Naphtha, and Stoddard solvent…what’s the difference!?

There are more petroleum distillates than you can shake a stick at: mineral spirits, white spirit, Stoddard solvent, naphtha, and Varsol are all products that overlap, and things can get confusing. Here’s your go-to source for the difference between them, and when to use which product.