this invention describes photopolymer printing plate developing solvents comprising diisopropylbenzene , alone or in combination with one or more co - solvents . compared with solvents of the prior art , the developing solvents of the present invention have lower toxicity , higher flash points , a milder and more pleasant odor , increased resistance to thermal decomposition , higher solvency , faster dry time , and pose reduced threat to the environment . the solvents of the present invention can exhibit azeotropic - like properties resulting in improved recycling characteristics and reduced drying times . also , the solvents of the present invention exhibit a degree of selective solvency towards non - crosslinked photopolymers vs . crosslinked photopolymers that is not seen in solvents of the prior art .