Question

Paraffin wax is used for making:
(A) Vaseline
(B) Candles
(C) Greases
(D) All of above

Answer 1

Hint: Paraffin wax is also known as petroleum wax. It is very economical as its price is low. It is used as raw material or base for petroleum based products. Chemical formula of paraffin waxes is ${C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}$ where n should be greater or equal to 20 and lesser or equal to 40.

Complete step by step answer:
Paraffin wax is a soft colorless solid that consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between twenty and forty carbon atoms derived from petroleum, coal or shale oil. Its melting point ranges from ${46^o}$C to ${66^o}$C.
Option A is Vaseline. We know Vaseline is also known as petroleum gel. It is a byproduct of oil production composed mainly of mineral oils and paraffin wax. Thus Vaseline is made from paraffin wax.

Option B is candles. Paraffin waxes are the byproducts of petroleum or crude oil refining processes. It is a waxy colorless solid with a typical melting of range 110 to 115 degree Fahrenheit and it is very inert and burns well. Most important reason is that it is very cheap in price. The shape of a candle is decided on basis of its melting point. If a paraffin with low melting point is used it is for container candles in jars, cups and glasses. If paraffin with Medium-melting point is used for candles that need to stand on their own, such as pillars, and other molded candles. If the paraffin with High-melting point (greater than 150 degrees Fahrenheit) is used for more specialized applications such as hurricane candle shells etc. thud option B is also correct as candles are also made from paraffin wax.

Option C is grease. Most greases that lubricate well are derived from paraffin wax and it is soluble only in organic solvents such as ether, benzene and alcohols. Paraffin waxes are used to make grease. Thus this is also the correct option.
Since all the three options explained above are correct.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: Paraffin waxes are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ether, alcohol or benzene. Common applications of paraffin include lubrication, candles, electrical insulation.