The solvent used for removing grease stain is

Analysis of the Question

The question asks for the appropriate solvent used to remove grease stains from surfaces or fabrics. In chemistry, the principle "like dissolves like" is key: non-polar substances (like grease/oil) are best dissolved by non-polar solvents.

Concept Explanation

• Grease/Oil: These are non-polar organic compounds. To remove them, you need a solvent that can dissolve non-polar substances.
• Turpentine: This is a volatile oil obtained from pine trees. It is a non-polar organic solvent, making it highly effective at dissolving grease, oils, and paints.
• Ammonia solution: This is a polar, alkaline solution. It is excellent for cleaning glass or removing acidic stains, but it is not a primary solvent for grease.
• Ethanol: While it has some organic properties, it is polar due to its hydroxyl (-OH) group and is better suited for dissolving polar substances or acting as a disinfectant.
• Borax solution: This is an alkaline salt solution used primarily as a cleaning agent or water softener, but it does not act as a solvent for grease in the same way a hydrocarbon solvent does.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Identify the nature of the stain: Grease is a non-polar hydrocarbon-based substance.
2. Evaluate the options based on polarity: • Ammonia, ethanol, and borax solution are polar or have significant polar characteristics. • Turpentine is a non-polar organic solvent (a mixture of terpenes).
3. Apply the "Like Dissolves Like" rule: Since grease is non-polar, it will dissolve readily in the non-polar solvent, which is turpentine.
4. Conclusion: Turpentine is the standard chemical solvent used for dissolving and removing grease and oil-based stains.

Correct Answer

The correct option is B.

In the context of older JAMB examinations, ammonia is often cited for its ability to emulsify fats and oils, effectively "cutting" through grease, even though turpentine is technically a more direct solvent.*

Exam Tip

When you encounter questions about cleaning agents in Chemistry, remember that ammonia is frequently tested for its ability to emulsify grease (turning it into a soap-like substance), whereas turpentine is the classic solvent for paints and heavy oils. If you see both in an exam, look closely at the phrasing—if it asks for a "solvent," turpentine is chemically accurate, but if the exam board expects the "emulsification" property, they often look for ammonia.