Answer to Question #11701 in Chemistry for Eoin Fanning

Question

Hi,

I have a few questions about two substances, toluene and acetone. I wish to soak a chunk of floral foam (Oasis - used for flower arranging) which is made of a phenolic resin. This foam is usually soaked with water and I am currently using it to model a drying process in my research. What I would like to know is, if I was to soak this foam with liquid toluene or acetone, instead of water, would the foam simply dissolve in either of these two liquids or do you think the foam would still hold it like it does with the water? And do you know which substance, toluene or acetone would be better suited for this?

In case you are wondering, I am interested in these to properties because they are used as tracers in a certain type of laser-imaging technique I am interested in.

If you could answer these questions for me, I would be hugely grateful.

Kind regards