Mineral oil

Mineral oil is the name given to light mixtures of higher alkanes, obtained from the distillation of petroleum. It is also known as liquid paraffin or pariffinum liquidum, white oil and liquid petroleum.

Properties

Chemical

Mineral oil has little reactivity.

Physical

Mineral oil is colorless, odorless, viscous liquid. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with many organic solvents. It has a density of around 0.8 g/cm³. It has a flash point of 168.33°C.

Availability

Mineral oil is available as baby oil, either pure or with perfume. The latter should be removed before using the oil in experiments.

It is also sometimes available as camp fuel.

Preparation

Mineral oil is best bought than made.

Projects

• Store alkali metals

Handling

Safety

Mineral oil poses little risk, but untreated mineral oil is considered hazardous.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Should be disposed like any other oil.