Question

Westron, a good industrial solvent, is (a) acetylene tetrachloride (b) trichloroethylene (c) dichlorodifluoromethane (d) hexachlorocyclohexane

Short answer

The industrial solvent is (b) trichloroethylene.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Industrial Solvents

First, it is important to identify each of the options presented to understand their possible usage as industrial solvents. Industrial solvents are typically used to dissolve or dilute other substances. Commonly used industrial solvents include organic compounds, particularly those that are hydrocarbons or halogenated hydrocarbons.

Exploring Option (a): Acetylene Tetrachloride

Acetylene tetrachloride is also known as tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene; however, this question seems to imply a different compound. In actuality, acetylene tetrachloride is not a recognized name for any standard solvent used industrially, which suggests this option may be an unintended mix-up of names or simply incorrect.

Exploring Option (b): Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene is a well-known industrial solvent, used frequently for degreasing metal parts. It is a halogenated hydrocarbon, which is typical for effective industrial solvents due to its capability to dissolve grease or oil-based substances.

Exploring Option (c): Dichlorodifluoromethane

Dichlorodifluoromethane, often known by its trade name Freon-12, has historically been used as a refrigerant and a propellant in aerosol cans rather than as a solvent. Its usage as a solvent is not standard practice in industrial settings, making it an unlikely choice.

Exploring Option (d): Hexachlorocyclohexane

Hexachlorocyclohexane is primarily known as a pesticide rather than a solvent. It is not typically used for industrial solvent purposes and does not share common characteristics with widely-recognized industrial solvents.

Conclusion: Most Suitable Solvent

Considering the exploration of each chemical and their established use, trichloroethylene (option b) is identified as the typical industrial solvent among the options.

Key concepts

Trichloroethylene

Trichloroethylene is a chemical compound that has a significant place in industrial usage, primarily because of its effectiveness as a solvent. Known chemically as a halogenated hydrocarbon, this compound is particularly adept at degreasing metal parts. This makes it highly valuable in the manufacturing and automotive industries, where clean, oil-free metal surfaces are essential. It has a characteristic sweet smell and is a clear, nonflammable liquid. Trichloroethylene dissolves oils and greases without leaving a residue, which is crucial in processes requiring precision and cleanliness. It's also used in the production of adhesives, dyes, and perfumes, thanks to its ability to mix well with other substances.
While it is a highly effective solvent, safe handling practices are vital due to its potential health impacts. Extended exposure to trichloroethylene can have toxic effects, so industries utilize it under strict safety guidelines to protect workers.

Halogenated hydrocarbons

Halogenated hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene, are a class of compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and one or more halogens like chlorine, fluorine, or bromine. These compounds are notable for their ability to act as powerful solvents due to their chemical structure. The introduction of halogens into hydrocarbons enhances their ability to dissolve a variety of substances.
These solvents are used across various industries because they are particularly good at breaking down oils and organic materials, which are otherwise challenging to manage. Their applications range from cleaning and degreasing to being employed in chemical synthesis. However, one must consider the environmental impact of these compounds, as they often persist in the environment and can contribute to pollution. For this reason, regulations may guide their use, encouraging safe practices and their eventual transition to more environmentally friendly options.

Chemical usage in industry

The usage of chemicals in industry is vast and varied, serving as the backbone of many manufacturing processes. Solvents, as a category of industrial chemicals, play an essential role due to their capability to dissolve, suspend, or extract other compounds without changing the chemical nature of those compounds. This property makes them invaluable in processes like cleaning, degreasing, and manufacturing.
In an industrial context, using the right solvent can influence the efficiency of a process. For instance, trichloroethylene's use in degreasing ensures clean surfaces for processes like painting or welding.

• Solvents help produce pharmaceuticals, by assisting in chemical reactions or purifications.
• In textiles, solvents are integral in everything from dyeing to coating fabrics.

While beneficial, it's essential to manage the usage of these chemicals responsibly, considering potential health hazards and environmental impacts.

Organic compounds

Organic compounds are a broad class of compounds that primarily consist of carbon and hydrogen, often including oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. They form the basis of all living organisms and are also crucial in many industrial applications. Solvents, many of which are organic, derive their effectiveness from the nature of organic chemistry.
The versatility of organic compounds stems from the diversity of structures they can form, allowing them to engage in a multitude of reactions. For example, solvents like acetone and ethanol are widely used due to their ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar substances. Furthermore, organic compounds play a critical role in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing materials.
Understanding the properties of organic compounds is important for selecting the right solvent in industrial cases, ensuring the procedure's success and optimizing costs.

Solvent identification

Identifying the appropriate solvent for an industrial application involves understanding both the chemical properties of the solvent and the nature of the substance to be dissolved or processed. Key considerations include the solvent's polarity, boiling point, and reactivity. A suitable solvent must efficiently dissolve the substance without undesired reactions or excessive cost.
Selecting a solvent like trichloroethylene involves verifying that its properties align with the intended use, such as the need to degrease metal parts effectively. The identification process often considers environmental and safety concerns, as some powerful solvents can be hazardous.

• Efficiency: How well does the solvent dissolve the target substance?
• Safety: What are the health implications of using this solvent?
• Environmental impact: What are the disposal considerations and regulatory guidelines?

In the industrial domain, solvent identification is essential, impacting both performance efficiency and regulatory compliance.