Dissolvers

Dissolvers are substances that dissolve other substances to form solutions. In chemistry and industry, the term usually refers to solvents—liquids that solvate solutes by surrounding and dispersing them at the molecular level. Dissolvers can be categorized by polarity (polar solvents such as water, ethanol, and acetone; nonpolar solvents such as hexane and toluene), proticity (protic vs. aprotic), and compatibility with the solute.

Solubility depends on solvent–solute interactions, temperature, and sometimes pressure. The principle “like dissolves like” summarizes the tendency for polar solutes to dissolve in polar solvents and nonpolar solutes in nonpolar solvents. Dissolution rates are influenced by surface area, agitation, and solvent composition.

Applications include laboratory reagent preparation, chemical synthesis, extraction of compounds, cleaning and degreasing, and pharmaceutical formulation. Dissolvers are also used in paint stripping, ink production, and various manufacturing processes.

Safety and environmental considerations are central. Many solvents are flammable, toxic, or volatile organic compounds. Proper handling, ventilation, containment, and waste disposal are required, and some solvents are regulated. Environmental concerns include air emissions and water contamination, driving interest in greener alternatives and solvent recycling.