parafiinia

Parafiinia is a family of hydrocarbon substances derived from petroleum, commonly called paraffin or paraffin wax in its solid form. It consists mainly of saturated alkanes with carbon chains typically in the C20–C40 range. Parafiinia is produced during crude oil refining by distillation and subsequent dewaxing and purification. A lighter fraction, liquid paraffin (paraffinum liquidum), is used as a mineral oil in cosmetic and medicinal products.

Physical and chemical properties: Paraffin wax is solid at room temperature and melts in a range of about 46–68°C, depending on composition. It is colorless to pale yellow, chemically inert, hydrophobic, and largely insoluble in water; soluble in many organic solvents. Liquid paraffin is a low-viscosity mineral oil with similar chemical stability and hydrophobicity, used in topical formulations and as a lubricant.

Applications: Paraffin wax is widely used in candles, coatings for fruits and cheese, and in polishes and coatings for textiles and paper. Liquid paraffin is used in cosmetics and medicines as an emollient and lubricant, and as a carrier for ointments. Parafiin wax is also employed in energy storage as a phase-change material when encapsulated, and in various industrial wax applications.

Safety and environment: Parafiinia is largely inert but flammable and capable of producing soot during combustion. Ingested liquid paraffin should be used only as directed; aspiration can be hazardous. Being petroleum-derived, paraffin is not readily biodegradable and requires appropriate waste-management handling. Use of additives or blends with other waxes can modify its safety and environmental profile.