TAPPI T204 cm-17 describes a procedure for determining the amount of solvent-soluble, non-volatile material in wood and pulp. Two different solvent systems may be employed, the selection depending on the safety and reproducibility requirements of each particular laboratory. Dichloromethane extraction gives lower amounts of extractives. Extraction with 1/3 ethanol and 2/3 benzene gives reproducible results and includes some additional compounds.
Due to the highly hazardous nature of the solvents used in this procedure, the committee is working on a new procedure that will replace this method at a later date utilizing alternative solvents.