Liquid paraffin or mineral Oil/white Oil is a transparent, colourless, odourless, or almost odourless, oily liquid composed of saturated hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. mineral oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons. It is obtained through the petroleum distillation process. It is the clear, light fraction of the distillation process and it can be further purified. It is also known as adepsine oil, glymol, saxol and Vaseline oil. Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes. The cosmetic or medicinal mineral oil should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel. mineral oil comes in two forms that should not be confused with each other. They each have many uses in multiple fields and industries. One form of white oil is a highly refined form of kerosene, which is used as fuel. The other is a very highly refined mineral oil that has various uses, such as in cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Liquid Paraffin Applications

1- Used as a fuel

One of the primary uses of liquid paraffin is fuel. Liquid paraffin is a highly distilled and refined form of kerosene that can be burned in lamps and other devices. The fuel produces no soot and no odor when burned, which makes it a more attractive fuel option than unrefined kerosene.

2- Used in Textile Industry
3- Used as a lubricant in various industrial settings.
It can be used to lubricate blades that cut paper and in mechanical mixing.
4- Used as a Component of many air filters particularly air filters that function underwater.
5- Used as a hydraulic fluid in machinery.
6- Used as a cleaner for abrasive materials like cement.
7- Used as an ingredient in many agricultural insecticides.
8- Used as a component in the manufacture and containment of reactive gases like sulfur dioxide and chlorine.
9- Used in infrared spectroscopy.
10- Can be applied to baking tins to make removing cooked food easier.
11- Used to make many food items like apples appear shiny for a centerpiece display.
12- Used in Cosmetic and Medicinal Industries

CHARACTERISTICS

However, when heated it does have a slightly unpleasant petroleum smell. It does not dissolve in water, glycerol or cold ethanol. It does dissolve in benzene, ether, chloroform and hot ethanol. It has a density of 0.8 gm/cm3.

• Oily
• Transparent
• Colorless
• Odorless (at room temperature)
• Tasteless