Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, utilizes a variety of chemicals to facilitate the extraction of oil and natural gas from shale rock.
Here's a breakdown of some chemicals used in fracking, along with their purpose:
| Chemical Name | CAS | Chemical Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Methanol | 000067-56-1 | Product stabilizer and / or winterizing agent |
| Formic Acid | 000064-18-6 | Prevents the corrosion of the pipe |
| Acetaldehyde | 000075-07-0 | Prevents the corrosion of the pipe |
| Petroleum Distillate | 064741-85-1 | Carrier fluid for borate or zirconate crosslinker |
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific chemicals used can vary depending on the geological formation and the fracking company. Furthermore, the precise composition of fracking fluids is often considered proprietary information, making it difficult to obtain a complete and transparent accounting of all chemicals involved. For more information, you can consult resources like the Sierra Club's information on fracking chemicals.
