Common Solvent Flash Point and Boiling Point Reference Table
Flash point and boiling point decide how a solvent is stored, transferred and classified for electrical areas. This table gathers rounded values and CAS numbers for 30 solvents that chemical plants handle every day, so you can compare candidates and spot the real fire risk quickly.
| Solvent | CAS number | Boiling point (C) | Flash point (approx. closed cup) (C) | NFPA flammability class (by flash point rule) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Acetone | 67-64-1 | 56 | -20 | 3 |
Methanol | 67-56-1 | 65 | 11 | 3 |
Ethanol | 64-17-5 | 78 | 13 | 3 |
Isopropanol (IPA) | 67-63-0 | 83 | 12 | 3 |
n-Propanol | 71-23-8 | 97 | 15 | 3 |
n-Butanol | 71-36-3 | 118 | 35 | 3 |
Toluene | 108-88-3 | 111 | 4 | 3 |
Xylene (mixed isomers) | 1330-20-7 | 140 | 28 | 3 |
Benzene | 71-43-2 | 80 | -11 | 3 |
Styrene | 100-42-5 | 145 | 31 | 3 |
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) | 78-93-3 | 80 | -9 | 3 |
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) | 108-10-1 | 117 | 14 | 3 |
Cyclohexanone | 108-94-1 | 156 | 44 | 2 |
Ethyl acetate | 141-78-6 | 77 | -4 | 3 |
Methyl acetate | 79-20-9 | 57 | -10 | 3 |
n-Pentane | 109-66-0 | 36 | -49 | 4 |
n-Hexane | 110-54-3 | 69 | -22 | 3 |
n-Heptane | 142-82-5 | 98 | -4 | 3 |
Cyclohexane | 110-82-7 | 81 | -20 | 3 |
Diethyl ether | 60-29-7 | 35 | -45 | 4 |
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) | 109-99-9 | 66 | -14 | 3 |
Acetonitrile | 75-05-8 | 82 | 2 | 3 |
Acetic acid (glacial) | 64-19-7 | 118 | 39 | 2 |
Dimethylformamide (DMF) | 68-12-2 | 153 | 58 | 2 |
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) | 67-68-5 | 189 | 87 | 2 |
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) | 872-50-4 | 202 | 91 | 2 |
Ethylene glycol | 107-21-1 | 197 | 111 | 1 |
Glycerol | 56-81-5 | 290 | 160 | 1 |
Values are rounded typical figures for pure materials and vary by test method and source. The NFPA class shown follows the flash point and boiling point cut-offs only. Always take design values from the supplier SDS and your own test data before classifying storage or electrical areas.
Solvent data in your ERP
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How to use the reference
Search by name or CAS number, or sort by flash point to see which solvents are the most ignitable. A flash point below ambient temperature means the vapor above the liquid can ignite at normal room conditions, which affects grounding, bonding, ventilation and ignition source control. Export to Excel to attach the data to a solvent substitution study or a storage room design.
- Sort the flash point column to rank ignition risk
- Compare the boiling point to your process temperature to judge vapor generation
- Use the CAS column to match items in your ERP item master
Reading flash point and boiling point together
Flash point tells you when vapor can ignite, and boiling point tells you how easily the liquid turns to vapor in the first place. Pentane and diethyl ether combine a very low flash point with a boiling point near body temperature, which is why they sit in the highest flammability class. A heated high-boiling solvent such as DMSO or NMP can still be dangerous if the process temperature approaches or exceeds its flash point, even though it looks safe on a shelf.
Common mistakes
Do not mix open cup and closed cup values when comparing materials, because open cup results run higher. Do not assume a water-miscible solvent stays safe when diluted: ethanol and IPA solutions remain flammable until the water content is high. Finally, check mixtures with the supplier, since a blend takes the flash point of its most volatile fraction in many practical cases.
- Use closed cup data for storage and transfer decisions
- Re-test blends rather than interpolating
- Remember static charge accumulation in low-conductivity solvents such as hexane and toluene
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more important for fire risk, flash point or boiling point?
Flash point is the main classification driver, because it shows the lowest temperature at which vapor can ignite. Boiling point adds context on how readily the liquid volatilizes. Together they define the NFPA flammability and the flammable liquid class used for storage limits.
Why do sources show different flash points for the same solvent?
Results depend on the test method, such as Pensky-Martens or Tag closed cup versus open cup, and on purity and sample handling. Small differences are normal. Use the value on the supplier SDS for the grade you buy and note the method.
Does a flash point above room temperature mean the solvent is safe?
No. If the solvent is heated, sprayed as a mist, or held in a hot process, it can reach conditions where vapor ignites. Combustible liquids still require ignition source control, especially above their flash point.
Can I use this table for official classification?
Use it for screening and training only. Official classification of storage, electrical areas and transport must rely on SDS data, tested values, and the codes enforced by your local authority.
Netray can connect SDS-derived properties to the item and warehouse records in your ERP, so storage rules and transfer permits follow the actual flash point of each stocked solvent.
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