Normal Paraffin

Normal Paraffin Definition

Normal paraffins (n-paraffins) are linear, aliphatic hydrocarbons of C9-C17 chain lengths that are usually separated from kerosene or gas oil fractions of crude oil using molecular sieves. High levels of midrange n-paraffins, suitable for producing linear alkylbenzene (LAB), are produced at a gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant that started production in Qatar in 2011. The major end use for n-paraffins is as a raw material for producing olefins or monochloroparaffins to manufacture LAB. Paraffin (or called kerosine) is a mixture of hydrocarbons; it usually consists of about 10 different hydrocarbons, each containing from 10 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule; the constituents include n-dodecane, alkyl benzenes, and naphthalene and its derivatives. Kerosine is less volatile than gasoline; it boils between about 140 and 320 C and have a relative density of 0.78 – 0.83. It is obtained from crude oil by distillation and is used as a fuel for heating and aircraft. Paraffins can be arranged either in straight chains (normal paraffins) or branched chains (isoparaffins).

Most of the paraffin compounds in naturally occurring crude oils are normal paraffins, while isoparaffins are frequently produced in refinery processes. The normal paraffins are uniquely poor as motor fuels, while isoparaffins have good engine-combustion characteristics. Longer-chain paraffins are major constituents of waxes. Normal-Paraffins are produced from select kerosene and/or gasoil, feedstocks using molecular sieves extraction. After appropriate purification treatment of desulfurization, dearomatization, the n-paraffin stream is passed into the fractionation unit, then the desired carbon cuts are obtained. Normal paraffins are used as a solvent; a basic material in the manufacture of surfactants; in the manufacture of metalworking compounds, lube oil components, plasticizers and chloroparaffins; production of oils for aluminum cold rolling; catalyst carrier for olefin polimerization; raw materials for a wide range of applications.

Normal Paraffin Applications

Normal paraffin, also known as n-paraffin or straight-chain alkanes, has diverse applications across different industries:

• Fuel: Normal paraffin is used as a component in fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, to improve combustion properties and octane ratings.
• Solvents: It serves as a solvent in various industrial processes, including cleaning agents, degreasers, and paint thinners.
• Chemical Intermediate: Normal paraffin is a precursor in the production of other chemicals, including alcohols, acids, and detergents.
• Personal Care Products: Some formulations of normal paraffin are used in cosmetics and personal care products like lotions, creams, and hair care products.
• Pharmaceuticals: It can be found in certain pharmaceutical formulations and drug delivery systems.
• Textile Industry: Normal paraffin is used in textile manufacturing processes as a lubricant and softener for fibers.
• Food Industry: In some cases, it’s used as a coating for fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life and maintain freshness.
• Rubber and Plastics: Normal paraffin is used as a plasticizer in the production of rubber and plastic products to improve flexibility and durability.

Overall, normal paraffin has a wide range of applications due to its chemical properties and versatility, contributing to various industries’ manufacturing processes and product formulations.

N-Paraffin and ISO Paraffin

“N-paraffin” and “iso-paraffin” refer to two different types of paraffins based on their molecular structure:

1. N-Paraffin (Normal Paraffin): N-paraffins are straight-chain alkanes with linear molecular structures. Each carbon atom in the molecule is attached to no more than two other carbon atoms, forming a straight chain. Examples include n-pentane, n-hexane, and n-heptane. Normal paraffins are often used as solvents, fuel components, and chemical intermediates.
2. Iso-Paraffin (Isoparaffin): Iso-paraffins are branched-chain alkanes with one or more methyl (CH3) groups attached to the carbon chain. These branches can occur at any point along the chain, creating a more complex molecular structure compared to straight-chain alkanes. Examples include isobutane, isopentane, and isooctane. Isoparaffins are commonly used as solvents, particularly in applications where low toxicity and low odor are desired, such as in cosmetics, paints, and cleaning products.

While both types of paraffins have similar uses as solvents and fuel components, their different molecular structures can result in variations in properties such as boiling point, viscosity, and reactivity, leading to differences in their specific applications and performance characteristics.

Grade Decane Typical Characteristics

Grade Undecane Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Grade Dodecane Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Grade Tridecane Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Grade Tetradecane Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Grade SHNP Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Grade YHNP Typical CHARACTERISTICS

Specification of N-Paraffin C/10-C/13

Specification of N-Paraffin