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

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

The chemical formula for kerosene is C₁₂H₂₆.

Physical Properties of Kerosene:

Properties Details
AppearanceColorless or pale yellow liquid
Boiling Point150°C to 300°C (depending on the grade)
Density0.78 to 0.84 g/cm³
Flash PointApproximately 38°C to 72°C (lower flash point for jet-grade)
Heat of CombustionApproximately 43 MJ/kg
Melting Point-40°C to -60°C
OdorMild, characteristic odor
Refractive IndexApproximately 1.45
SolubilityInsoluble in water, miscible with hydrocarbons
State of MatterLiquid at room temperature
ViscosityLow viscosity

Chemical Properties of Kerosene:

Properties Details
Autoignition TemperatureApproximately 210°C to 300°C
Chemical ReactionsCan undergo combustion, oxidation, and other hydrocarbon reactions
CombustibilityHighly flammable
CompositionMixture of hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes
Environmental ImpactKerosene can have negative effects on the environment if not handled properly
Ignition TemperatureApproximately 210°C to 260°C
Oxidizing PropertiesKerosene does not possess strong oxidizing properties
ReactivityRelatively stable under normal conditions
StabilityStable 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