Chemistry: Petroleum and Paraffin Wax Essay

Kerosene- C12H26
Kerosene is an important petroleum product, used chiefly as fuel. At one time, kerosene lamps were the chief source of artificial lighting. Kerosene is a mixture of hydrocarbons, compounds containing the elements hydrogen and carbon. Aromatic hydrocarbons make up some of these compounds for example weedkillers usually contain hydrocarbons with a high aromatic hydrocarbon content.
Uses-Kerosene’s greatest use is in jet aircraft engines. Commercial jets use kerosene-type fuelswhile military aircraft uses a mixture of kerosene and gasoline. Kerosene supplies lighting and cooking fuel for people far from sources of electric power. It is also used as a fuel in portable room heaters.
Petrolatum (Vaseline)-any hydrocarbon with a saturated carbon number (higher than 25)
Petrolatum, also called petroleum jelly, is a colourless to yellow, jellylike substance made from petroleum. Petrolatum is used as an ingredient in medicines and cosmetics. It is also sold in stores, often under the trade name Vaseline. While Vaseline can be used as a lubricant, it is also a useful moisture insulator for local skin conditions characterized by tissue dehydration. Vaseline helps protect minor cuts and burns.
Bitumen- benzene- C6H6
Bitumen is a light brown to black noncrystalline solid or semisolid made up of hydrogen, carbon, and small amounts of sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen. It occurs naturally as asphalt and as a crude oil that is too thick to flow freely at room temperature. Manufacturers use bitumen in fuels, paints and paving and roofing materials, and in waterproofing and lining materials used in construction. They also make petroleum coke from bitumen. Bitumen can also be used as crude oil that is slightly heavier than water. The bitumen can be removed from the ground by heating it to make it flow to a well.
Paraffin wax- from C20H42 to C40H82-solid forms of paraffin (technical name for an alkane in general)
Paraffin wax is mostly found as a white, odourless, tasteless, waxy solid. It is insoluble in water but soluble in many esters. Pure paraffin wax is an excellent electrical insulator and is also an excellent material to store heat thus allowing it to be constantly used as a building material for homes.
Paraffin wax, classified as a chemical preservative, is widely used on fruits, vegetables and candy to make them shiny and

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