How many carbon atoms are in kerosene?
In brief
Most of the hydrocarbon molecules in kerosene contain about 9 to 16 carbon atoms. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
What the carbon range of kerosene means
Kerosene is a mixture of hydrocarbons with roughly 9 to 16 carbon atoms: mostly paraffins and naphthenes with some aromatics (Jet A-1 allows no more than 25% aromatics). It has no biodiesel, and it is refined to keep sulphur and gum-forming compounds low.
How kerosene compares
Roughly: petrol 4 to 12 carbon atoms, kerosene 9 to 16, diesel and gas oil 10 to 22. Heavier molecules boil at higher temperatures.
Kerosene in practice
Kerosene for heating and Jet A-1 for aircraft are the same family of fuel, but jet fuel is made and handled to much tighter standards; contaminated jet fuel is downgraded, never returned to aircraft.
How City Fuel Services handles waste kerosene
City Fuel Services buys, collects and handles waste kerosene for businesses, public bodies, farms and households. Describe the load and we come back with terms before booking the collection.
| Density at 15°C | 775–840 kg/m³ (Jet A-1 limits); heating kerosene typically near 800 |
|---|---|
| Flash point | At least 38°C (Jet A-1 minimum); heating kerosene is similar or higher |
| Freezing point | No higher than −47°C (Jet A-1) |
| Distillation | Roughly 150°C to 300°C |
| Colour | Water-white to pale straw |
| Fuel | Kerosene |
| Also called | heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil |
| Waste code | 13 07 03* (other fuels (including mixtures)) |
| Transport | UN1223, class 3, packing group III |
| Standard | BS 2869 class C2 (heating); DEF STAN 91-091 (Jet A-1) |
Related questions
- Does kerosene float on water?
- What standard does kerosene meet?
- What is kerosene?
- What is kerosene made of?
- What is the chemical formula of kerosene?
- How is kerosene made?
- What is kerosene used for?
- What happens if water gets into kerosene?
Kerosene in brief
Kerosene is a light middle distillate, lighter than diesel, used mainly as heating oil (often called 28-second oil or burning oil) and, in a tightly specified form, as jet fuel (Jet A-1, also called Avtur). Clean, dry kerosene recovers well.
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.