The Paraffin reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Paraffin

Paraffin is a common name for a group of high molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula C_nH_2n+2, where n is between 22 and 27. 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")

It is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a melting point between 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 oxidizes readily.

In the United Kingdom and South Africa, the fuel known elsewhere as kerosene is called paraffin oil, and the solid forms of paraffin are called paraffin wax.

Uses

• Candlemaking
• Coatings for waxed paper or cloth.
• Making microscopy specimens.

Food-grade paraffix wax is used in some candies to make them look shiny. Although edible, it's not digestable; 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.

See also: aliphatic hydrocarbon.

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