Kerosene [Chemical formula, Physical, Chemical Properties and Reactions]

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: February 3, 2024

The chemical formula for kerosene is C₁₂H₂₆.

Physical Properties of Kerosene:

Properties Details
Appearance Colorless or pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point 150°C to 300°C (depending on the grade)
Density 0.78 to 0.84 g/cm³
Flash Point Approximately 38°C to 72°C (lower flash point for jet-grade)
Heat of Combustion Approximately 43 MJ/kg
Melting Point -40°C to -60°C
Odor Mild, characteristic odor
Refractive Index Approximately 1.45
Solubility Insoluble in water, miscible with hydrocarbons
State of Matter Liquid at room temperature
Viscosity Low viscosity

Chemical Properties of Kerosene:

Properties Details
Autoignition Temperature Approximately 210°C to 300°C
Chemical Reactions Can undergo combustion, oxidation, and other hydrocarbon reactions
Combustibility Highly flammable
Composition Mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes
Environmental Impact Kerosene can have negative effects on the environment if not handled properly
Ignition Temperature Approximately 210°C to 260°C
Oxidizing Properties Kerosene does not possess strong oxidizing properties
Reactivity Relatively stable under normal conditions
Stability Stable under ordinary storage and handling

Reactions of kerosene with Alkaline Earth Metal

Alkaline Earth Metal   Equation
Beryllium (Be) no product formed
Magnesium (Mg) 2Mg + C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  2Mg(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Calcium (Ca) 2Ca + C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  2Ca(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Strontium (Sr) 2Sr + C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  2Sr(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Barium (Ba) 2Ba + C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  2Ba(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Radium (Ra) no product formed

Reactions of kerosene with Transition Metal

Transition Metal   Equation
Iron (Fe) 3Fe + 4C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  3Fe(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Nickel (Ni) 3Ni + 4C₁₂H₂₆   react and convert into  3Ni(OR)₂ + 13H₂
Copper (Cu) no product formed
Silver (Ag) no product formed
Platinum (Pt) no product formed
Gold (Au) no product formed

 

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