Definition and Areas of Use: Paraffin is a noble compound of petroleum with the formula CNH2N+2, which has earned its name from the Latin 'Paraffin afinis' due to its low tendency to reactions. Paraffin wax was first obtained in history by Carl Reichenbach in 1829, from wood tar and later from whole layers. Finally, it took its final form in 1867; obtained from petroleum. As the years progressed, in 1947, synthetic wax of paraffin was being made.
Today, paraffin manufacturers use the same technique in line with the current technological possibilities. According to this technique, newly made paraffin candles contain 20 percent oil. Sometimes this amount of oil can be reduced to 3 percent. In addition, color, smell and taste can be improved with higher purification. When purifying paraffin, sulfuric acid and clay are used during the process. Separation of paraffin from crude oil is a necessity. We can say that paraffin is actually a by-product of petroleum. During refining, the oily paraffin obtained from crude oil is first melted in heat. Then, it is cooled to freeze only the paraffin part. In this way, the frozen pulp-shaped paraffin layer is thoroughly cleaned and separated from its oil. Purification of raw paraffin is one of the basic processes of purification. Paraffin, which is completely insensitive to chemical agents, was first used in candle making. 20 percent stearic acid is added to the paraffin used for this feature to make it harder to melt.