Drawbacks of nonpolar solvents: (1) Many nonpolar solvents are flammable; (2) Some are extremely toxic; (3) Don't use in an enclosed area, use plenty ventilation.
Solvent is a substance, usually a liquid, that acts as a dissolving agent or that is capable of dissolving another substance. They may be classified as polar and non-polar.
Nonpolar solvents, like carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), benzene (C₆H₆), and diethyl ether (CH₃CH₂OCH₂CH₃), have molecules whose electric charges are equally distributed and are not miscible with water.
Hexane, tetrahydrofuran and methylene chloride are non-polar solvents. Non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar compounds best.
It is usually preferable if the solvent is non-toxic and inflammable.
Unfortunately, these criteria are not met by many of the available organic solvents.
Some solvents are not toxic but flammable (e.g., diethyl ether, hydrocarbons--petroleum ether, ligroin)
Some are not flammable but toxic (e.g., dichloromethane, chloroform)
Some solvents are both toxic and flammable (e.g., benzene)
Learn more solvents at www.masterorganicchemistry.com.