Paraffin

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical

**Definition:** A common name for 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.

**Synonyms:** - PARAFFIN