A survey of solvent selection guides

Several solvent selection guides have been published, in different formats, reflecting the culture of their institutions. The data given in these guides have been compiled, and where possible combined, in order to allow a ranking comparison. Of the 51 solvents considered, an acceptable alignment of the classifications could be met, permitting a ranking into four categories: recommended, problematic, hazardous and highly hazardous. 17 solvents (33%) could not be unequivocally ranked by this simplified analysis, thus reflecting differences in the weighing of criteria between the institutions.