Category Overview · Hydrocarbon Solvents
Dearomatised D-cuts, SBP cuts, white spirit grades and light aliphatics. A structured overview for procurement managers and technical buyers evaluating grade selection and sourcing options.
Comparing dearomatised grades? See our D-cut grade selection guide covering the full D30 to D120 range.
Fast commercial starting point
What you typically want from a hydrocarbon solvents enquiry
A good first response should immediately tell you whether the requirement is workable for your volume and destination, and which grade fits your application and regulatory context.
Product Families
The main hydrocarbon solvent families handled through Alcoris, with typical applications and the key parameters that determine grade selection for each family.
Dearomatised Hydrocarbons
D-Cuts · D30 through D160
Narrow-cut aliphatic hydrocarbons with aromatic content reduced to trace or sub-trace levels by selective hydrogenation. Available across a continuous boiling range series designated by initial boiling point, D30, D40, D60, D80, D100, D120, D160. Each grade has a characteristic flash point, boiling range and density profile. Aromatic content is typically ≤0.001–0.1 wt% depending on grade and producer.
Choose D-cuts when aromatic content must be controlled or minimised, whether for regulatory compliance, formulation sensitivity, odour reduction or occupational health requirements. Grade is selected on boiling range and flash point classification, not on name alone.
SBP Cuts
Special Boiling Point · Light Paraffinic Fractions
Light paraffinic hydrocarbon fractions with closely controlled boiling ranges, typically below 120°C. SBP grades are specified by boiling range rather than a single designation. High paraffinic purity, low aromatic content and fast evaporation are the defining characteristics. Common grades include SBP 60/95, SBP 80/110 and SBP 100/140.
Choose SBP cuts when fast evaporation is required and a narrow, well-defined boiling range is critical. Often evaluated alongside hexane or heptane, but chosen where a specific flash point or purity profile is needed at competitive supply terms.
White Spirit
Type 0 · Type 1 · Type 2 · Type 3
Mineral spirit cuts with aromatic content ranging from approximately 18–21% (Type 0, standard grade) to below 0.1% (Type 3). Grades are classified under EN 14066 by aromatic content and flash point. Type 0 and Type 1 remain the most commonly traded grades in European industrial supply. Type 3 largely overlaps with the D-cut product family.
Choose white spirit when conventional aromatic content is acceptable for the application or when an existing specification references white spirit grade directly. Buyers reducing aromatic content typically transition from Type 0 to Type 1, or move to D-cut equivalents where aromatics must fall below 1%.
Light Aliphatics
Hexane · Heptane · Isohexane
Single-compound or high-purity-fraction light hydrocarbon solvents with well-defined physical properties. Hexane (n-hexane or hexane fraction), heptane and isohexane are the most commonly traded. Properties are tightly specified: boiling point, density and purity are the key parameters. Flash points are typically below 0°C, ADR transport classification is relevant at the logistics planning stage.
Choose light aliphatics when a narrow, high-purity compound fraction is required rather than a blended cut. Used in extraction, pharmaceutical manufacturing, adhesive formulation and fast-dry cleaning where compound identity is the specification requirement.
Isoparaffinic Solvents
High Purity · Low Odour · Specialty Grades
Synthetic isoparaffinic fluids produced to high purity standards, with negligible aromatic content and very low odour. Available across several boiling range grades. Distinct from dearomatised D-cuts in production route and purity profile, used where residue, odour sensitivity or high-purity requirements are stricter than standard D-cut grades can consistently meet.
Choose isoparaffinic grades when the application requires purity and odour performance beyond the D-cut range. Premium coatings, personal care and food-contact adjacent processes are the typical use cases. These grades typically carry a price premium relative to conventional dearomatised hydrocarbons.
Technical Context
Key physical parameters that determine grade suitability for hydrocarbon solvents. Understanding these avoids misspecification at the procurement stage.
Boiling Range and Flash Point
Boiling range determines evaporation rate and formulation compatibility. Flash point governs ADR transport classification and workplace safety requirements. These are related but distinct, a grade's flash point is typically 20–30°C below its initial boiling point, but this varies by composition. Specifying one without the other creates risk in procurement and logistics planning.
Aromatic Content
Aromatic content is the primary differentiator between conventional white spirit and dearomatised grades. It affects odour profile, toxicological classification and regulatory permissibility in certain applications. D-cut and isoparaffinic grades are typically specified at ≤0.001–0.1 wt% aromatics. White spirit Type 0 retains approximately 18–21%. Always verify the CoA value for the specific batch, do not rely on grade name or nominal specification alone.
Evaporation Rate
Evaporation rate governs open time, drying speed and film formation in coating and adhesive applications. Lighter grades (D30, SBP 60/95, hexane) evaporate rapidly. Heavier grades (D100, D120) dry slowly, which is a processing requirement in some formulations, not a disadvantage. Matching evaporation rate to the application is often as important as matching boiling range.
Specification Confirmation
Specification values on product data sheets are indicative unless confirmed against a specific batch CoA. Grade names describe a range, not a fixed value. For regulated applications or sensitive formulations, request CoA confirmation at the inquiry stage. SDS and TDS documentation can be made available for grades handled through Alcoris, subject to the specific product and supply route.
Individual Grades
Detailed pages for individual grades within the hydrocarbon solvent category. Each covers typical specification, application context and sourcing considerations.
Working with a specification that does not fit the grades listed above? Contact us directly, unusual requirements and grades outside the standard series can be discussed on request.
Submit an inquiryTechnical Reference
If you are at an evaluation stage and need technical context before submitting an inquiry, the following guides may be a useful starting point.
Dearomatised D-Cuts: Which Grade?
A technical overview of the D30–D120 range: boiling fractions, flash point classifications and application selection criteria.
Flash Point vs. Boiling Range Explained
Understanding the distinction between flash point and boiling range when specifying a solvent grade for a regulated application.
Isoparaffinic Solvents: A Sourcing Reference
Technical characteristics of isoparaffinic fluids and their position relative to dearomatised alternatives in European sourcing markets.
Commercial Inquiries
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Commercial Inquiries
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+32 (0)484 94 51 52Inquiries are reviewed and forwarded to the relevant supplier in the network for direct response. If your requirement falls outside our current sourcing capability, we will tell you directly rather than leave the inquiry without a clear answer.