CAS Number:  8042-47-5
Chemical Name: Acetic Acid
Other Names: Mineral Oil (Light or Heavy), Liquid Paraffin, Paraffinum Liquidum, White Mineral Oil, Pharmaceutical Grade Mineral Oil
Chemical Formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ (where n varies depending on the carbon chain length)
Chemical Nature:
– Highly refined, saturated aliphatic and alicyclic nonpolar hydrocarbons
– Derived from petroleum
– Colorless, odorless, and tasteless
Purity: Meets USP, NF, BP, or EP monographs
Appearance: Clear, colorless, oily liquid, odorless liquid
Odor: Odorless or very faint
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hydrocarbons
Density (at 20°C): ~0.83–0.88 g/cm³
Flash Point: > 180 °C
Pour Point: -18 to -6 °C
Viscosity Grades: Typically available as 35, 65, 90, 350, etc. (Saybolt Universal Seconds – SUS)
pH: Neutral

Application in areas:

  • Pharmaceutical
    • As a laxative, ointment base, and lubricant for capsules and tablet coatings
  • Cosmetic & Personal Care
    • Found in baby oils, moisturizers, creams, lotions, hair products
  • Food Industry
    • As a release agent, dust control agent in grain handling, and lubricant for food processing equipment
  • Plastics & Rubber
    • Used as a plasticizer and processing oil in polymers and elastomers
  • Textiles
    • As a fiber lubricant in yarn manufacturing
  • Veterinary Use
    • In topical formulations or feed-grade lubricants

Safety & Handling:

  • Toxicity: Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and hypoallergenic
  • Handling: Use with clean equipment in hygienic conditions

PPE Requirements:

  • Acid-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene)
  • Chemical splash goggles / face shield
  • Lab coat or acid-resistant apron
  • Proper ventilation / fume hood

Storage Guidelines:

  • Store in cool, dry areas away from strong oxidizers or sunlight
  • Typically 2–5 years depending on grade and packaging

Advantages of USP Grade White Oil:

  • Pharmaceutical-grade purity
  • Safe for internal and external use
  • Odorless, tasteless, and inert
  • Excellent stability and lubrication properties

Packaging: Drum