What is turpentine?
Q: What is turpentine?
A: Turpentine is a solvent and a source of materials for organic synthesis that is obtained by distilling resin from live trees, mainly pines. It is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons.
Q: What are some uses for turpentine?
A: Turpentine can be used for thinning oil-based paints, for producing varnishes, and as a raw material for the chemical industry.
Q: Where does the word "turpentine" come from?
A: The word “turpentine” comes from the Greek word τερεβινθίνη terebinthine, which is the name of a species of tree, known as the terebinth tree.
Q: Is turpentine hazardous?
A: Yes, turpentine is hazardous as it can cause fires and breathing it in can be dangerous to one's health so white spirit (mineral turps) or other substitutes are often used instead due to their different chemical compositions.
