MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: Please tell me where I can find a formula for an alcohol/parafin emulsion

Date: Thu Sep 10 12:08:30 1998
Posted By: Susan Rollinson, Other (pls. specify below), organic chemistry, Alleghany Micro
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 905313002.Ch
Message:

It would help to know the context of this request: Why do you need an 
alcohol/paraffin emulsion?

I will assume by alcohol, you mean ethyl (or "grain") alcohol. The 
situation is much the same with isopropyl alcohol (commonly available as 
"rubbing" alcohol), which has a slightly higher boiling point (82 degrees 
C) and is slightly more flammable.

The Merck Index (available in the reference section of most libraries) 
describes paraffin wax as being insoluble in water and alcohol.

To make an emulsion, you would have to heat paraffin to its melting point 
(about 50 degrees C), and mix with alcohol, which has a boiling point of 78 
degrees C. I would not care to do this as it poses an extreme fire hazard! 
If you wanted to try an emulsifying agent, I’d use a detergent. If you are 
limited to consumer-available materials, try concentrated dish detergent. 
Pure surfactants are available from chemical supply houses.

If your goal is to "soften" paraffin into a spreadable form, you might find 
petroleum jelly ("Vaseline"), which is used as the base for many ointments, 
fits your needs.

I have only a rudimentary knowledge of petroleum chemistry. Perhaps another 
MAD Scientist can help?



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