The very lightest, most volatile liquid hydrocarbon solvents that can be bought from laboratory chemical suppliers may also be offered under the name petroleum ether.

[6] Most of the unsaturated hydrocarbons may be removed by shaking two or three times with 10% of the volume worth of concentrated sulfuric acid; vigorous shaking is then continued with successive portions of a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate in 10% sulfuric acid until the color of the permanganate remains unchanged.

The solvent is then thoroughly washed with sodium carbonate solution and then with water, dried over anhydrous calcium chloride, and distilled.

[5] Petroleum ethers are extremely volatile, have very low flash points, and present a significant fire hazard.

Petroleum ether is metabolized by the liver with a biological half-life of 46–48 h.[3] Inhalation overexposure causes primarily central nervous system (CNS) effects (headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and incoordination).

[3] Oral ingestion of hydrocarbons often is associated with symptoms of mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, and central nervous system depression.

A history of coughing or choking in association with vomiting strongly suggests aspiration and hydrocarbon pneumonia.