Is there a relationship between the drip point of Vaseline and the proportion of alkanes?

Is there a relationship between the drip point of Vaseline and the proportion of alkanes?

The dropping point of Vaseline is directly correlated with its hydrocarbon ratio, as detailed below:

‌1. Relationship Between Dropping Point and Alkane Chain Length‌

Vaseline's dropping point typically ranges between 37-54°C, primarily determined by the saturated structure of its long-chain alkanes (carbon atoms C16-C20).

Longer hydrocarbon chains exhibit stronger intermolecular forces, resulting in higher melting points (dropping points). For example, the solid-state properties of paraffin (C22-C28) differ from Vaseline's semi-solid state due to this factor.

‌2. Specific Impact of Hydrocarbon Ratio on Dropping Point‌

‌High Proportion of Long-Chain Alkanes‌: A higher content of straight-chain alkanes in Vaseline pushes the dropping point closer to the upper limit (e.g., 54°C) due to tighter molecular packing.

‌Modulating Role of Cycloalkanes‌: While cycloalkanes (e.g., cyclic structures) enhance viscosity, they may slightly reduce the dropping point because their molecular packing efficiency is lower than that of straight-chain alkanes.

‌3. Industrial Regulation Examples‌

By refining residual petroleum (e.g., adjusting dewaxing levels), the hydrocarbon ratio can be controlled to precisely set the dropping point. For instance, medical-grade Vaseline requires high-purity long-chain alkanes to ensure a stable dropping point.

The dropping point of Vaseline is positively correlated with its hydrocarbon ratio (especially the proportion of long-chain alkanes), necessitating precise compositional optimization for applications in skincare and industrial settings.

ST212AL manual Vaseline drop point tester fully complies with the standards for determining the drop point of Vaseline in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia and SH / t0678 Vaseline drop point determination method in 2020 to determine the drop point of Vaseline, that is, under the specified test, Vaseline reaches a certain temperature of fluidity.

ST212AL manual drop point tester fully complies with the standards for measuring the drop point of Vaseline in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, British Pharmacopoeia and SH / t0678 Vaseline drop point determination method in 2020 to determine the drop point of Vaseline, that is, under the specified test, Vaseline reaches a certain fluidity temperature.