Which term is a colorless, volatile liquid used in petroleum refining, detergents and organic synthesis?

Which term is a colorless, volatile liquid used in petroleum refining, detergents and organic synthesis?

• A. Ethyl chloride
• B. Ethyl acetate
• C. Ethylamine
• D. Ethane

Answer: (C)

Ethylamine fits this description because it is a colorless, volatile liquid that serves as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. As a simple primary amine, it readily undergoes reactions to form a wide range of intermediates used in making detergents and various organic compounds, and it also finds applications in petroleum refining, where amines are used in gas treating and related additives to manage acid gases and corrosion. The other options don’t align as well: ethyl chloride is a halogenated solvent with different industrial uses; ethyl acetate is a common solvent but not a primary reagent in refinery or detergent production; ethane is a hydrocarbon that is a gas at room temperature and not used as a detergent precursor or a refining intermediate.

Ethylamine fits this description because it is a colorless, volatile liquid that serves as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. As a simple primary amine, it readily undergoes reactions to form a wide range of intermediates used in making detergents and various organic compounds, and it also finds applications in petroleum refining, where amines are used in gas treating and related additives to manage acid gases and corrosion. The other options don’t align as well: ethyl chloride is a halogenated solvent with different industrial uses; ethyl acetate is a common solvent but not a primary reagent in refinery or detergent production; ethane is a hydrocarbon that is a gas at room temperature and not used as a detergent precursor or a refining intermediate.