DESCRIPTION

Paraffin, Synthetic occurs as a white wax that is very hard at room temperature. It is synthesized by the Fischer-Tropsch process from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are catalytically converted to a mixture of paraffin hydrocarbons; the lower-molecular-weight fractions are removed by distillation, and the residue is hydrogenated and further treated by percolation through activated charcoal. It is soluble in hot hydrocarbon solvents.