Solvent Solvent A solvent (from the Latin "solvō", "loosen, untie, solve") is a substance that dissolves a solute (a chemically distinct liquid, solid or gas), resulting in a solution. A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas, or a supercritical fluid. The quantity of solute that can dissolve in a specific volume of solvent varies with temperature. Common uses for organic solvents are in dry cleaning (e.g. tetrachloroethylene), as paint thinners (e.g. toluene, turpentine), as nail polish removers and glue solvents (acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate), in spot removers (e.g. hexane, petrol ether), in detergents
Nitroethane give an oxazoline, which protonates to give a cationic surfactant. Like some other nitrated organic compounds, nitroethane is also used as a fuel additive and a precursor to explosives. Nitroethane is a useful solvent for polymers such as polystyrene and is particularly useful for dissolving cyanoacrylate adhesives. In niche applications, it has been used as a component in artificial nail remover and in overhead ceiling sealant sprays. Nitroethane has been used as a chemical feedstock in clandestine laboratories for synthesis of controlled substances such as amphetamines. Nitroethane is suspected to cause genetic damage and be harmful to the nervous system.