paraffin ( paraffin wax )
A waxy crystalline substance that in the pure form
is white, odorless and translucent and has the
approximate chemical formula of C 20 H
42 (and above). It is obtained from
petroleum by distillation and is then purified by
sweating or solvent refining. Paraffin, which is
not a true wax, consists mainly of a mixture of
saturated straight-chain solid hydrocarbons. Its
melting points range from 50 to 57° C. It
is used in the manufacture of certain types of
paper, in leather dressings, in marbling, in
producing paraffin prints, etc. (17 , 183 , 335 )
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