fuel oil paraffin kerosene Paraffin is a thin, clear liquid composed of hydrocarbons that typically contain between 6 and 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Paraffin is obtained from the fractional distillation of petroleum between 150 and 275 degrees Celsius, resulting in a mixture with a density of 0.78–0.81 grams per cubic centimetre. It is miscible in petroleum solvents but immiscible in water. Regardless of crude oil source or processing history, kerosene's major components are branched and straight chain alkanes and naphthenes (cycloalkanes), which normally account for at least 70% by volume. Aromatic hydrocarbons in this boiling range, such as alkylbenzenes (single ring) and alkylnaphthalenes (double ring), do not normally exceed 25% by volume of kerosene streams. Olefins are usually not present at more than 5% by volume. kerosine