Which category do petroleum hydrocarbon solvents belong to?

Petroleum hydrocarbon solvents are categorized as hydrocarbon solvents because they are derived from crude oil and primarily consist of various types of hydrocarbons. These solvents include a broad range of compounds created during the refining process of petroleum and can be used in various applications such as paint thinners, varnishes, and cleaning agents.

While aromatic hydrocarbons include compounds that contain a benzene ring, petroleum hydrocarbon solvents cover a wider array of hydrocarbons, not limited to just aromatic types. Water-based solvents, on the other hand, consist of mixtures that rely primarily on water as a solvent, which is quite different from petroleum-based products. Naphthenic hydrocarbons are a specific subclass of hydrocarbons that often exist within petroleum but do not encapsulate the entirety of petroleum hydrocarbon solvents.

Thus, identifying them as hydrocarbon solvents accurately reflects their origin and composition, making it the appropriate classification.