Isoparaffinic Hydrocarbon Solvents · Three Commercial Groups · European B2B Sourcing
Branched-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon fluids with very low aromatic content (typically under 1 ppm benzene), low sulphur, low odour and defined narrow boiling fractions. The commercial family covers a wide range of typical grades, from light fast-evaporating cuts (boiling ~98–105°C, flash ~−5°C) through to heavy high-viscosity grades (boiling ~270–308°C, flash ~127°C). Used across coatings, printing inks, cleaning, metalworking, cosmetics and personal care carriers, and industrial process fluids.
The family splits into three commercial groups that matter before any application specification is considered: PG II flammable lights, PG III flammable mid-range, and non-DG regulated heavy grades. Each group carries a distinct CLP hazard load and transport classification. In practice, many procurement teams filter on CLP and transport first, then on boiling range.
Many isoparaffinic enquiries require requalification after initial review, not on price, but because a grade reference was treated as a commodity without validating the regional sales specification (European supply vs Americas / Asia-Pacific) or the transport and CLP implications for the buyer’s site.
All values on this page are indicative, based on typical grade properties across European supply markets. They are not specification limits. Final grade specification, SDS and documentation are issued directly by the relevant supplier at the point of offer.
Evaluating alternatives outside the isoparaffinic family? See dearomatised D-cuts grade selection guide for a direct comparison against the D30–D120 range.
A good first response
What you typically need from an isoparaffinic enquiry
A useful first response clarifies which commercial group fits your CLP and transport constraints, which grade within that group fits your boiling range and viscosity needs, and which regional sales specification governs.
How Alcoris Works
Alcoris is an independent information and enquiry-routing service. We publish technical and commercial reference material on hydrocarbon solvents and related industrial chemicals. We are not a trader, distributor, or supplier, and we do not sell product.
Enquiries submitted through this site are forwarded to one or more independent third-party suppliers in our network who operate in the relevant product category. Those suppliers may then offer to supply on their own commercial terms. Any resulting supply contract is concluded directly between you and the supplier. Alcoris is not a party to that contract.
All grade descriptions, typical property values and commercial group framings on this page are editorial in nature, based on the structure of the European isoparaffinic supply market. Specification, classification and batch-level documentation for any specific delivery are issued by the relevant supplier.
Market reality
Many catalogs present the family as interchangeable grades sorted by boiling range. Procurement teams working through real internal approval treat the three commercial groups as the first filter and boiling range as the second, because the CLP and transport implications within each group are consistent, while across groups they are fundamentally different.
Three commercial groups by CLP & transport
Group 1 (lights) are PG II flammable liquids with typically five CLP classifications including aquatic chronic hazard. Group 2 (mids) are PG III flammable liquids under UN 3295 Class 3, with two to three CLP classifications. Group 3 (heavies) are not regulated as dangerous goods in packaged form, with typically one CLP classification applying (Asp. Tox. 1, H304). This is the first-order filter that matters for procurement and site handling teams.
Transport: PG II vs PG III vs non-DG packaged
PG II grades require more restrictive packaging, labelling and documentation than PG III; non-DG packaged grades remove the Class 3 transport classification entirely. In practice, a buyer moving from a PG II or PG III grade to a heavy non-DG grade recovers meaningful site handling flexibility and simplified transport documentation. This is often the commercial driver behind a grade-step enquiry rather than a pure application requirement.
CLP hazard load reduces going heavier
Lights typically carry five CLP classifications (Flam. Liq. 2, Skin Irrit. 2, Asp. Tox. 1, STOT SE 3, Aquatic Chronic 2). The PG III mid band reduces to three or two classifications. Heavy non-DG grades reduce to just one: Asp. Tox. 1 (H304) with supplemental EUH066. This monotonic reduction going heavier is a structural feature of the family and is a meaningful consideration for REACH dossier work, site safety assessments and regulatory labelling.
Regional sales specifications
Two regional sales specifications are typically in circulation per grade. The European specification governs European supply. The Americas / Asia-Pacific specification can differ on minima such as flash point, IBP and Saybolt color, and on what additional parameters are covered (for example specific gravity or BHT content). Confirmation of which regional specification applies for a given supply route should be part of the first-response loop, not a quotation-stage surprise.
Grade catalog, Group 1 of 3
The two lightest grades in the family. Both are PG II flammable liquids (typically UN 1262 or UN 3295) with five CLP classifications including aquatic chronic hazard. These grades are considered when rapid evaporation, low boiling range or low viscosity are the primary requirements and PG II handling is acceptable on site.
| Typical grade | Boiling range | Flash point | Density | Aromatic content | Viscosity 25°C | CLP load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightest isoparaffinic | ~98–105°C | ~−5°C | ~699 kg/m³ | ≤0.001 wt% | ~0.69 mm²/s | 5 classifications (PG II) |
| Light isoparaffinic | ~115–139°C | ~8°C | ~723 kg/m³ | ≤0.001 wt% | ~0.83 mm²/s | 5 classifications (PG II) |
Typical property ranges for the PG II light grades commonly traded in the European isoparaffinic market. Exact values depend on producer, regional specification and current PDS/CoA issued by the relevant supplier.
Grade catalog, Group 2 of 3
Four mid-range grades. All are PG III flammable liquids under UN 3295 Class 3. The lightest mid grade carries three CLP classifications (including aquatic); the three heavier mids reduce to two (Flam. Liq. 3, Asp. Tox. 1 plus EUH066). This group is typically considered when a conventional mid-boiling solvent is needed and PG III documentation is workable.
| Typical grade | Boiling range | Flash point | Density | Aromatic content | Viscosity 25°C | CLP load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightest mid (with aquatic hazard) | ~163–175°C | ~45°C | ~748 kg/m³ | ~0.002 wt% | ~1.11 mm²/s | 3 classifications (PG III) |
| Mid-light (no aquatic) | ~180–190°C | ~59°C | ~759 kg/m³ | ~0.003 wt% | ~1.38 mm²/s | 2 classifications (PG III) |
| Broader-cut mid grade | ~183–208°C | ~61°C | ~763 kg/m³ | ~0.003 wt% | ~1.52 mm²/s | 2 classifications (PG III) |
| Narrow-cut mid grade | ~181–204°C | ~61°C | ~761 kg/m³ | ~0.003 wt% | ~1.46 mm²/s | 2 classifications (PG III) |
Typical property ranges for the PG III mid grades commonly traded in the European isoparaffinic market. Within H/J/K-equivalent grades, the selection is typically driven by boiling cut shape (narrow vs broader) and specific application requirements on viscosity and aniline point.
Grade catalog, Group 3 of 3
Four heavy grades. All are typically not classified as dangerous goods in packaged form under ADR, RID, IMDG or IATA. All typically carry only one CLP classification: Asp. Tox. 1 (H304) with supplemental EUH066. Within this group, selection is driven by the step changes in boiling range, flash point and, between the third and fourth grade, viscosity.
| Typical grade | Boiling range | Flash point | Density | Aromatic content | Viscosity 25°C | CLP load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-heavy grade | ~192–211°C | ~69°C | ~767 kg/m³ | ~0.002 wt% | ~1.68 mm²/s | 1 classification (non-DG) |
| Heavier mid-range grade | ~208–254°C | ~81°C | ~782 kg/m³ | ~0.002 wt% | ~2.44 mm²/s | 1 classification (non-DG) |
| Very high flash grade | ~227–256°C | ~96°C | ~787 kg/m³ | ~0.002 wt% | ~2.91 mm²/s | 1 classification (non-DG) |
| Top-of-family high-viscosity | ~270–308°C | ~127°C | ~812 kg/m³ | ~0.05 wt% | ~12.52 mm²/s | 1 classification (non-DG) |
Typical property ranges for the non-DG heavy grades commonly traded in the European isoparaffinic market. The viscosity step from the third to fourth grade is qualitative, not gradual, the top-of-family grade positions closer to a carrier or functional fluid than a conventional solvent.
Family position
At a glance
Grade selection
The practical selection logic starts with CLP load and transport classification, then moves to boiling range and application-specific properties. Working in this order reduces the chance of requalifying mid-way through internal approval.
Choose a light grade when
Rapid evaporation, very low boiling range or very low viscosity are essential to the application, and PG II flammable handling, storage and transport are acceptable on site. Typical context: specialty cleaning, extraction and rinsing processes, aerosol carriers where evaporation rate is critical. Typically five CLP classifications including aquatic hazard apply.
Choose a mid grade when
A conventional mid-boiling hydrocarbon solvent is required, PG III Class 3 documentation is workable, and the application does not need the simplified hazard profile of the heavy group. The lightest mid typically carries an aquatic hazard classification; the three heavier mids do not. Boiling cut shape (narrow vs broad) drives selection within the three heavier mids.
Choose a heavy grade when
Simpler transport logistics (non-DG packaged), a reduced CLP classification load (typically one hazard only) and higher permanence in the formulation matter. Within this group: entry-heavy is the starting point; heavier mid adds permanence; the very high flash grade adds safety margin; the top-of-family adds a step change in viscosity for carrier and functional-fluid applications. Cosmetics and personal care enquiries usually land in this group.
Choose isoparaffinic over dearomatised D-cut when
Branched molecular structure is a hard application requirement (e.g. solvency profile, residue behaviour, cosmetic / personal-care documentation expectations), or when very narrow boiling cuts are important to the formulation. Where the branched structure is not a hard constraint, dearomatised D-cuts often provide a more economical fit at comparable boiling ranges.
Application context
Coatings
Industrial paints and coatings
Low-odour paints, specialty industrial coatings. Mid grades (both lightest mid and narrow-cut mids) are typical in this context, selected on boiling cut and evaporation profile.
Cleaning
Parts cleaning & degreasing
Industrial parts cleaning, surface preparation, technical cleaning. Light grades where rapid evaporation matters; mid grades where dwell time and flash point bracket are preferred.
Metalworking
Metalworking fluids
Metalworking fluid formulations where chemical stability, compatibility and viscosity profile drive grade selection. Mid and heavy grades typical.
Printing inks
Ink formulation
Printing inks where defined evaporation behaviour and a very low aromatic profile are specification-relevant. Mid grades most commonly encountered.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic & personal care carriers
Carrier fluids for cosmetic and personal care formulations where a specific producer declaration on aromatic content, sulphur and regulatory status is required. Heavy grades most commonly considered.
Process
Polymerisation & specialty formulation
Carrier or process media in polymerisation and specialty formulation where a stable hydrocarbon with consistent grade characteristics is required. Mid and heavy grades both in scope.
Functional fluids
Cable oils, transfer oils, insulators
Heavy grades (particularly the top-of-family high-viscosity grade) used as formulation components in functional fluids where higher viscosity, very high flash and very low volatility are the primary drivers.
Aerosols
Aerosol carrier systems
Light grades for fast-evaporating aerosol carriers; mid-heavier grades where slow-release carrier behaviour is the design intent.
Buying checklist
For the isoparaffinic family, the pre-enquiry checks cluster around CLP and transport first, application fit second, regional sales specification third. Clarity on all three shortens the quotation loop significantly.
Why Alcoris
For the isoparaffinic family, a useful first response confirms commercial group fit before grade-level fit, because getting the first filter wrong means requalifying later on CLP or transport rather than on price.
Grade selection
Group-first, grade-within-group, regional specification last
The editorial framework of this page walks the practical selection logic that serious buyers use: CLP load acceptable to the site, transport classification acceptable to logistics, then boiling range and application fit. The enquiry response aims to clarify all three before quotation.
Documentation
European sales specification and EU SDS from the start
The European sales specification (the regional document that applies to European supply routes), current EU SDS, CoA and REACH documentation are made available during the quotation process by the relevant supplier. The Americas / Asia-Pacific TDS is retained as a reference where relevant.
Supply routes
Multiple European sourcing routes considered
Enquiries are routed through multiple European supply networks across the full light-to-heavy range. This helps produce a realistic first answer on availability, timing and route, including for the heavier grades where allocation and specific packaging configurations matter.
FAQ
What is an isoparaffinic solvent?
A hydrocarbon fluid composed predominantly of branched-chain aliphatic molecules (isoalkanes), typically with very low aromatic content (often under 1 ppm benzene), very low sulphur, low odour and a defined narrow boiling range. The commercial family spans roughly ten typical grades from the lightest cuts (boiling ~98–105°C) through to the heaviest (boiling ~270–308°C). Heavier grades also contain a cyclic fraction per supplier SDS composition.
How do I choose between isoparaffinic grades?
Start with the three commercial groups: PG II light flammables, PG III mid flammables and non-DG packaged heavies. Filter on what CLP and transport classification your site and logistics can accept, then select the grade within that group whose boiling range and flash point fit the application. The step between groups is material; the step between grades within a group is typically gradual (except the viscosity step at the top of the heavy group).
How do isoparaffinic solvents differ from dearomatised D-cuts?
Both families have low aromatic content. Isoparaffinics are predominantly branched isoalkanes (with cyclics in the heavier grades); dearomatised D-cuts contain a broader mix of linear, branched and cyclic aliphatics. Commercially, isoparaffinics typically sit at a premium. D-cuts are often the more economical choice where the branched structure is not a hard application requirement, see the D-cuts grade selection guide.
Is product documentation available?
Safety Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis are issued directly by the supplier, at the point of offer, subject to grade, supply route and the producer documentation available for the relevant batch.
Can isoparaffinic grades be discussed in packed or bulk supply?
Packed and bulk routes can both be discussed depending on grade, volume, delivery point and current market position. The practical route is confirmed at the time of offer by the relevant supplier.
Are the typical values on this page confirmed?
No. All values shown are indicative only, based on typical grade properties across the European supply market. They are not specification limits. Final grade specification, availability, packaging, pricing and delivery conditions are confirmed only at the time of offer.
Commercial enquiries
Include the application, grade reference if known (or boiling range / flash point window), volume, delivery country and any specification or documentation requirements. That is enough to start a useful commercial discussion around the right grade and current market position.
All indicative values and availability are subject to confirmation at the point of offer. Buyers remain responsible for verifying suitability, transport compliance and fulfilling all regulatory obligations applicable to the intended use.
Enquiry received.
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