We begin the conversation by saying that organic and inorganic solvents are isolated. Let us consider in more detail the features of the first group. Present information on those compounds that are considered the most common solvents. We will pay special attention to the rules for the safe use of these compounds.
Classification
Organic solvents can belong to certain classes of compounds: aromatic, aliphatic, nitro derivatives, carboxylic acids, amides, ketones, ethers and esters. A class of halogenated substances with solvent properties is also distinguished.
Petrol
This is an excellent solvent for organic fat, which is a mixture of hydrocarbons having a boiling range of 30 to 205 degrees. Gasoline enters the lungs of a person through the airways through the air. This substance is dangerous at all stages of its production, transportation, as well as direct use.
Its maximum permissible concentration is from 100 to 300 mg / m3. In case of acute poisoning, a headache occurs, a strong cough appears, discomfort in the throat. With serious poisoning, the pulse slows down, mental overexcitation occurs, and the mucous membrane of the nose and eyes are irritated. In severe cases, loss of consciousness, severe dizziness is possible. To remove from such conditions, it is necessary to place the victim in fresh air, provide access to oxygen, give him sedative and cardiac preparations.
If gasoline enters the stomach, it is necessary to take 30-40 grams of vegetable oil. In everyday life, this organic solvent is used when painting and decorating, not always observing safety rules. For example, it is forbidden to use gasoline in closed small rooms, as well as to work with this solvent near an open source of fire.
Acetone
All organic solvents, including acetone, have a characteristic odor. This liquid is included in high-quality solvents of organic substances: cellulose acetate and nitrate. Having a fairly low toxicity, acetone is used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. It is this representative of the class of carbonyl compounds that is the raw material for the technological process for the production of diacetone alcohol, acetic anhydride, and kitten.
The composition of organic solvents of this type includes carbon, oxygen, hydrogen. During inhalation, there is an accumulation of acetone vapor in the human body. Due to slow elimination, there is a risk of chronic poisoning. When the first symptoms appear, the injured person must be taken out of the room in which the concentration of acetone vapor is exceeded.
Methanol
In industry, a mixture of organic solvents is often used: methanol and ethanol. Methyl alcohol is required for the preparation of certain external medicines, as well as for dissolving paints. Under normal conditions, it is a colorless transparent liquid with a specific wine smell. A small amount of methanol, getting inside the body, contributes to death (death of the injured person).
The good solubility in organic solvents of this representative of the class of monohydric saturated alcohols has made it one of the main substances used in the chemical industry. When methanol poisoning, severe headaches, spasms of the limbs. The mucous membrane and skin acquire a bluish appearance, shortness of breath occurs, coordination of movements is lost, respiratory paralysis is possible.
Among the preventive measures that contribute to the safe use of methanol as an organic solvent, mention is made of sealing, mandatory cleaning of workwear, and good ventilation.
Areas of use
Organic solvents are used in agriculture, in various industrial industries, in everyday life. Among the aliphatic hydrocarbons with the properties of solvents, let us single out octane, hexane, pentane.
Fats dissolve well in organic solvents, which is used to purify substances in technological production.
All types of such substances have toxicological properties, act depressingly on the central nervous system, and have a narcotic effect.
Features
As commercial solvents, a mixture of sulfur and nitrogen-containing organic substances is considered. Such compounds are used in the manufacture of varnishes, paints, adhesives, organic dyes. Poisoning with such products is explained precisely by the content of toxic organic substances in them.
Three groups are distinguished depending on the volatility of the solvents. Let us dwell on the features of each of them.
Ethyl alcohol can be considered as volatile compounds . An organic solvent of this group has a high evaporation rate, therefore, it poses a serious danger to the air environment of industrial premises.
Coke-chemical and petroleum products, ethers, ketones, terpenes in a separate form or as mixtures, are excellent means for preliminary degreasing of the surfaces of metal products.
Medium-volatile compounds, for example, xylene, butyl alcohol, have a much smaller negative effect on the atmosphere.
Depending on the solubility coefficient of vapors in water, the possibility of acute poisoning changes significantly. In addition to narcotic effects, solvents have the property of irritating the mucous membrane of the eyes, stimulating the occurrence of skin diseases.
Carbon disulphide
This compound is a volatile colorless liquid. In its pure form, this solvent has a pleasant smell, and the smell of rotten radish is characteristic of a technical product. This compound is used in the viscose industry as a solvent for oils, fats, phosphorus, waxes, and rubber. In addition, carbon disulfide is in demand in the production of organic glass, is an accelerator in the vulcanization of rubber, the manufacture of artificial silk.
Carbon disulphide is a solvent that can cause serious damage to the nervous system of an organic nature. When dissolved in lipids, it quickly penetrates the skin. Excretion of this chemical compound through the intestines, kidneys.
With a long stay in the nervous tissue, carbon disulfide acts on the exchange of serotonin, acts as a moderator of reactive amino groups. Carbon disulphide is called not only "nervous", but also vascular poison. Even with minor intoxication, serious changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system occur.
For the prevention of carbon disulfide poisoning, it is important to monitor the sealing of production equipment used in the manufacture of silk.
Employees of areas in which there is a high content of carbon disulfide should use special filtering industrial gas masks of brand “A”.
Benzene
This chemical compound is a colorless liquid that evaporates easily at room temperature. Among the homologues of C6H6, styrene (vinylbenzene) and xylene (dimethylbenzene) were used as organic solvents.
Benzene is used for the manufacture of maleic aldehyde, nitrobenzene, and in the production of phenol. This compound is prohibited for use as a separate solvent, is replaced by xylene or toluene.
Benzene vapor poisoning is rare. They are associated with work in rooms with poor ventilation, the use of quick-drying paints in unventilated rooms.
With minor poisoning by benzene vapors, a person develops intoxication, in severe cases, loss of consciousness, convulsions, paralysis of the vascular and respiratory centers is possible.
For prophylaxis, constant monitoring of the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons in production facilities is carried out, reliable respiratory protection with a gas mask is provided, special clothing is used.
Conclusion
Organic solvents include many diverse in properties and composition of substances. These include various chlorine derivatives, esters and ethers, alcohols, nitro compounds used in various branches of the chemical industry. They often act as catalysts for technological processes and accelerate chemical reactions. Among the safe and indispensable organic solvents for human life and activity, let us single out water. It is she who acts as a catalyst in metabolic processes, contributes to the development of plants.
With their correct application, careful observance of safety precautions, it is possible to protect all people in contact with these organic compounds from various poisonings, damage to the nervous system, and to avoid disturbances in the activity of the heart muscle.