A solvent is a substance that dissolves a solute, 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.
Specific 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 (citrus terpenes) and in perfumes (ethanol).
Solvents products are also present in inks, lacquers and coatings, tyres, gloves and sealing, in aromas and vitamins, cleaners and disinfectants, adhesives, toiletries, as well as in adhesives, cosmetics, electronics and pharmaceutical end markets.