Paraffinic waxes, or simply paraffins, are a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (single carbon–carbon bonds) with linear chains, whose molecular weight ranges between 320 and 560. They are solid at room temperature and are obtained from fractions of vacuum distillation of reduced crude (residue from atmospheric distillation) with a distillation range between 350°C and 650°C. These fractions undergo solvent dilution, controlled cooling, crystallization, and filtration processes to separate the paraffins from the oils.
The main application of paraffin waxes is in the manufacture of candles. To a lesser extent, they are used in the production of floor waxes, paraffin papers, matches, petroleum jellies, food coatings, and other industrial uses.
