Environment, Health Concerns Force Shift In Use Of Organic Solvents

Once the medium of choice for organic chemistry, many organic solvents are being phased out of products and processes for environmental and health reasons. Industry is minimizing or eliminating solvents to cut hazardous waste costs as well as Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) chemical emissions, as mandated under the federal Superfund law. Large-use chemicals that could dissolve seemingly anything--such as acetone, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and xylene--are being replaced by myriad high-value specialty chemicals, each grabbing small niches. Such solvent replacements as aqueous-compatible organic solvents and nonsolvent technologies are enjoying growth. The biggest new cleaners in the area are water and elbow grease. Using surfactants, emulsifiers, and mechanical cleaning, manufacturers have introduced thousands of aqueous formulations. Environmental and health concerns have changed the solvents industry--and downstream products--for good. Some of the qualities of the banned and embattled solvents may never be replicated by replacements.