Title: Kerosene
CAS Registry Number: 8008-20-6
Additional Names: Kerosine
Literature 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). 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).
Boiling point: bp 175-325°
Flash point: Flash pt 150-185°F
Density: d ~0.80
Toxicity data: 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. |