Nomenclature
CAS number: 8008-20-6
Kerosine.
Description and references
A mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons, chiefly
of the methane series having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule.
It constitutes the fifth fraction in the distillation of petroleum
(after the petr ethers and before the oils). A typical analysis of
the kerosene fraction from Midcontinent crude includes n-dodecane, three alkyl derivatives of benzene, naphthalene, 1- and
2-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene. Toxicity study: W. B. Deichmann et al., Ann. Intern. Med. 21, 803 (1944). Toxicological studies and recommended
treatment of kerosene poisoning: H. W. Gerarde, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 1, 462 (1959).
Properties
Pale yellow or water-white, mobile, oily liquid.
Characteristic, not altogether disagreeable odor. d ≈0.80. bp 175-325°. Flash pt 150-185°F. (65-85°C). Flammable. Insol in water. Misc with other
petroleum solvents. A water-white, deodorized form of kerosene is
marketed under the trade name Deobase. Kerosene is deodorized and decolorized by washing with
(fuming) sulfuric acid, followed by sodium plumbite soln and sulfur
(Doctor sweetening). LD50 orally in rabbits: 28 ml/kg (Deichmann).Caution
Potential symptoms of overexposure
are irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat; burning sensation in chest;
headache, nausea, weakness, restlessness, incoordination, confusion,
drowsiness; vomiting, diarrhea; dermatitis; aspiration of liquid may
cause chemical pneumonia. See NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (DHHS/NIOSH 97-140,
1997) p 184.Use
In kerosene lamps, flares, and stoves; as degreaser
and cleaner; Deobase formerly used as a solvent in cosmetics and in
fly spray.