- Paraffin is a common name for a group of high molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is greater than about 20, discovered by Carl Reichenbach.
- In the United Kingdom and South Africa the fuel known elsewhere as kerosene is called paraffin oil (or just paraffin), and the solid forms of paraffin are called paraffin wax.
- Paraffin is also a technical name for an alkane in general, but in most cases it refers specifically to a linear, or normal alkane, while branched, or isoalkanes are also called isoparaffins. (Latin para+''affinis'' with the meaning here of "lacking affinity", or "lacking reactivity")
Physical and chemical properties
It is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a typical melting point between about 47°C and 65°C. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in
ether,
benzene, and certain
esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common chemical
reagents, but
burns readily.
Uses
Food-grade paraffin wax is used in some candies to make them look shiny. Although edible, it is nondigestible; it passes right through the body without being broken down. Non-food grade paraffin wax can contain oils and other impurities which may be toxic or harmful.
Paraffin wax is not used much to make original models for
casting, as it is relatively brittle at room temperature and usually cannot be cold-carved without excessive chipping and breaking. Soft, pliable waxes such as
beeswax are preferred for modelling.
See also: aliphatic hydrocarbon.
Category:Petroleum
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