In the realm of fullerene chemistry, particularly when discussing Carbon 60 (C60), the distinction between "solvent-free" and "no solvents" is crucial for those concerned with purity and safety. Despite their similar-sounding names, these terms have significant differences, especially in the context of health and environmental implications.
Understanding the Terminology
1. No Solvents: This refers to C60 that has been processed and handled without the use of any solvents at any stage. The assurance here is absolute: there were no solvents involved in the creation, purification, or storage of the product. The C60 oil produced by Papilio™ contains no solvents.
2. Solvent-Free: This indicates that solvents were used during the production or purification process, but they have been removed to the extent that the solvent level is difficult to identify. While this sounds reassuring, it doesn't guarantee the absolute absence of solvents, as trace amounts still linger below detection thresholds. Almost all C60 oils in Australia contain solvents or have self classified their product as solvent free.
The primary concern with solvent-free C60 lies in the potential for residual solvents. Even though advanced purification techniques can remove most solvents, the risk of trace amounts remaining cannot be entirely eliminated. These trace amounts, although undetectable, can accumulate over time and pose health risks, especially with prolonged exposure.
How to tell the difference?
1. Check the label - does it say solvent free or No Solvents?
2. Check the colour. Studies indicate C60 containing the solvent toluene will turn C60 oil purple in colour. Please click the link below to read a medical paper supporting this statement:
The Study of the Optical Properties of C60 Fullerene in different Organic Solvents
Health Implications
1. Toxicity: Many solvents used in the production of "Solvent Free" C60 are toxic. Even in minuscule amounts, they can cause adverse health effects ranging from mild irritation to more severe systemic issues. For individuals using C60 for its purported health benefits, the presence of any solvent, no matter how small, could undermine the therapeutic potential of the product.
2. Accumulation: The body can accumulate certain solvents over time, leading to chronic exposure issues. What might be safe in single or occasional doses could become hazardous with continuous use.
Purity and Integrity
1. Chemical Integrity: The presence of solvents, even in trace amounts, can affect the chemical integrity of C60. Reactions with residual solvents might produce unwanted by-products, reducing the effectiveness of C60 and potentially introducing new risks.
2. Consistency: C60 containing no solvents ensures a consistent product every time. Solvent-free C60, on the other hand, might vary in purity levels due to the variability in how effectively solvents are removed.
The Environmental Perspective
1.Production Footprint: Producing C60 containing no solvents often involves more environmentally friendly processes. Avoiding the use of solvents altogether reduces the chemical footprint, making the production process greener and more sustainable.
2. Waste Management: Handling and disposing of solvents pose significant environmental challenges. By opting for C60 containing no solvents, these issues are mitigated, reducing the overall environmental impact.
Cost
Solvent free C60 is significantly cheaper to produce then a C60 that contains no solvents. This is because the process to make a high quality product that requires no solvents is far more complex than the solvent removal process.
No Solvents as the Gold Standard for bio-pharma grade products
While solvent-free C60 potentially offers a high level of purity, it cannot guarantee the complete absence of solvents. For those seeking the utmost safety and integrity, C60 containing no solvents is the superior choice. It ensures that the product is free from any potential solvent-related risks, providing peace of mind for health-conscious users and contributing to a more sustainable production process. In the end, the only way to be sure there are absolutely no solvents present in your C60 is to choose C60 containing no solvents. A C60 product can only be classified as containing No Solvents if it is bio-pharma grade.