Xylene is a common solvent. Substitutes are available that are more natural or non-toxic. For example, Everclear Xylene Substitute can be used as a solvent and clear agent. This solvent is effective for the dissolving of waxes, paraffin, and glues. But always use a substitute for xylene according to the intended use statement.

d-limonenes

The use of d-limonene in the manufacturing of synthetic fragrances has been a growing trend in recent years. This naturally occurring solvent is non-flammable, odorless, and relatively slow to react with water. In addition, it is non-caustic and has no toxic properties. The use of d-limonene has become so widespread that it is found in hundreds of cleaning products. Its annual production totals 150 million pounds worldwide.

However, some research has found that d-limonene has a number of adverse effects, including headaches. It has no known genetic effects, but it has been shown to induce renal pathology in some strains of adult male rats. D-limonene is also less toxic than xylene, but its use requires proper ventilation. Moreover, d-limonenes are not mutagenic.

CitriSolv

Xylene is a colorless liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor. Historically, xylene was used in routine histopathology to fix tissues and prepare them for microscopy. It is relatively inexpensive and available in many sources. However, xylene is known to cause side effects in some people. This chemical can cause erythema and dryness if it comes into contact with the skin, and is also used in dental and bone marrow preparations. It is a highly efficient solvent, and combines well with other chemical solutions.

The next-best-performing xylene substitute is d-limonenes. These solvents are made by catalytic hydrogenation of aromatic compounds. This method produces a substitute that is free of xylene, a dangerous chemical. However, d-limonenes dry slowly and may leave a sticky residue. Other poor-performing xylene substitutes include isoparaffinic hydrocarbons and mixtures of paraffinic hydrocarbons and glycol ethers.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a viable alternative to xylene, a toxic organic solvent used in the preparation of histopathological specimens. The long-term stability of olive oil in clearing tissues is not clear. In a recent study, the researchers used olive oil in place of xylene in a series of immunohistochemical stainings. The results were not statistically significant.

Several researchers have evaluated various oils as xylene substitutes. In the past, limonene reagents and vegetable and mineral oils were used. Although these agents are less effective and more expensive than xylene, they are not as readily available as the former. Olive oil, rose oil, and pine oil have been used to clear histological tissues for many years. This study evaluated their effectiveness and bio-friendly properties in clearing tissue sections.

Refined mineral oil

Refined mineral oil is a good alternative for xylene, a chemical that is hazardous to workers and the environment. Refined mineral oil contains a lower density than xylene, which allows it to displace fat tissue without alcohol-mediated rehydration. This new method reduces the cost of this chemical and reduces the time it takes to complete the process. Furthermore, refined mineral oil is suitable for deparaffinization and genomic DNA extraction.

Refined mineral oil is composed of two types of hydrocarbons: naphthenics and parraffinics. Both types of hydrocarbons contain carbon and hydrogen, and are saturated. Naphthenics are longer chained than parraffinics and have higher viscosity. They are not waxed. The two types of mineral oil have different chemical properties and applications in the cosmetics industry.

Naphthenic solvents

Xylene is classified as a hazardous air pollutant, but it is not toxic compared to other types of solvents. Naphthenic solvents are a good option for the laboratory environment because they have high boiling points but are free of harmful double bonds and aromatic compounds. Naphthenic solvents are less toxic than aromatic solvents, but they may have overpowering odors. Also, naphthenic solvents may not be compatible with mounting media, such as plastics.

Many xylene substitutes are available for use in the laboratory, and some are safer than xylene. Naphthenic solvents are available in a wide range of price points, and some are better than others. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health recommends that xylene’s air concentrations are not higher than 900 parts per million, a level at which workers can experience negative health effects.