VOC exempt solvents are
organic compounds that are exempt from restrictions placed on most
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the United States. This class of solvent currently includes
acetone,
dimethyl carbonate,
methyl acetate,
parachlorobenzotrifluoride
Parachlorobenzotrifluoride is a synthetic halogenated organic chemical compound with the molecular formula C7H4ClF3. It is frequently abbreviated PCBTF. Parachlorobenzotrifluoride is a colorless liquid with a distinct aromatic odor. PCBTF has been ...
(Oxsol 100),
tert-Butyl acetate, and
propylene carbonate. The definition is often that they do not contribute to
ozone or ozone depletion.
Solvent
In the US, dimethyl carbonate was exempted under the definition of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by the
U.S. EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. President Richard Nixon proposed the establishment of EPA on July 9, 1970; it be ...
in 2009. Due to its classification as VOC exempt, dimethyl carbonate has grown in popularity and applications as a replacement for
methyl ethyl ketone
Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), is an organic compound with the formula CH3C(O)CH2CH3. This colourless liquid ketone has a sharp, sweet odor reminiscent of acetone. It is produced industrially on a large scale, but occurs in nat ...
(MEK) and other solvents. ''tert''-Butyl acetate is used as a
solvent in the production of lacquers, enamels, inks, adhesives, thinners and industrial cleaners.
[{{Cite web, title=VOC Exempt Solvents, url=https://www.hydrite.com/Industries/Paints-Coatings-Inks-Adhesives/VOC-Exempt-Solvents.htm, access-date=2021-02-08, website=www.hydrite.com, archive-date=2021-02-08, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208171050/https://www.hydrite.com/Industries/Paints-Coatings-Inks-Adhesives/VOC-Exempt-Solvents.htm, url-status=live] It also gained EPA VOC exempt status.
Uses
VOC exempt solvents are used in applications where traditional
solvents are used. These include
Coatings,
Adhesive
Adhesive, also known as glue, cement, mucilage, or paste, is any non-metallic substance applied to one or both surfaces of two separate items that binds them together and resists their separation.
The use of adhesives offers certain advant ...
s,
Sealants and
Elastomer
An elastomer is a polymer with viscoelasticity (i.e. both viscosity and elasticity) and with weak intermolecular forces, generally low Young's modulus and high failure strain compared with other materials. The term, a portmanteau of ''elastic p ...
s.
Safety
VOC exempt status does not mean that the solvent is non-flammable and thus safety must be carefully considered. Acetone for example has an extremely low
flash point
The flash point of a material is the "lowest liquid temperature at which, under certain standardized conditions, a liquid gives off vapours in a quantity such as to be capable of forming an ignitable vapour/air mixture". (EN 60079-10-1)
The fl ...
and care is needed in handling.
See also
*
Greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas (GHG or GhG) is a gas that Absorption (electromagnetic radiation), absorbs and Emission (electromagnetic radiation), emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range, causing the greenhouse effect. The primary greenhouse ...
*
Ozone depletion
Ozone depletion consists of two related events observed since the late 1970s: a steady lowering of about four percent in the total amount of ozone in Earth's atmosphere, and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone (the ozone l ...
References
Regulation of chemicals
Solvents
Regulation in the United States