Paraffins. A homologous series of saturated hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2. Their systematic names end in -ane. They are chemically inert, stable, and flammable. The first four members of the series (methane, ethane, propane, butane) are gases at ordinary temperatures; the next eleven are liquids, and form the main constituents of paraffin oil; the higher members are solids. Paraffin waxs consists mainly of higher alkanes.
(Source: UVAROV)
A group of high molecular weight alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+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. It is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a melting point between 47C and 65C. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, benzene, and certain esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common chemical reagents but oxidizes readily.
a non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH(2n+2)
British usage
from crude petroleum; used for candles and for preservative or waterproof coatings
(British usage) kerosine
a series of non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH(2n+2)
