Which of the following petroleum components is used as a solvent for dry cleaning?

Petrol

The correct answer is option 1. Petrol.

Petrol (gasoline) was historically used as a solvent for dry cleaning.

However, due to its high flammability and safety concerns, petrol has been replaced by safer and more suitable alternatives in modern dry cleaning practices. Here's a breakdown:

Traditional Solvent: Petrol was used in the early days of dry cleaning because it's a good solvent for oils and greases. However, its flammability posed a significant fire hazard.

Modern Solvents:

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC): This manufactured solvent became the dominant choice due to its effectiveness and lower flammability compared to petrol. However, it has come under scrutiny for potential health and environmental risks.

Liquid Carbon Dioxide \((CO_2)\): This eco-friendly alternative is gaining traction. It's non-toxic, non-flammable, and leaves minimal environmental impact.

While petrol might have been used in the past, tetrachloroethylene (PERC) and liquid carbon dioxide are the more relevant solvents for dry cleaning today.