Benzine is a clear, colorless liquid obtained in refining petroleum. It is also called ligroin (also spelled ligroine) and petroleum ether. Benzine should not be confused with benzene, a liquid produced from coal tar. Benzine is used to dissolve fats and oils and as a cleaning fluid. Benzine must be used carefully because it is flammable. Mixtures of benzine vapors and air can explode in the presence of an electric spark, a flame, or a red-hot object.
Benzine consists of aliphatic hydrocarbons, which have chainlike molecules containing carbon and hydrogen. Benzine usually has a boiling range from 95 to 175 °F (35 to 79 °C).
