Kerosene vs. Naphtha — What's the Difference?

A common fuel for lamps and heaters.

A volatile liquid from petroleum distillation used as a solvent.

A petroleum-derived liquid used in aviation.

A component in the production of plastics and synthetic rubber.

A combustible hydrocarbon liquid used as a fuel.

Characterized by a low flash point and high flammability.

Known for its safety due to a high flash point.

Used in the production of high-octane gasoline.

Sometimes used as a cleaning agent or solvent.

Naphtha ( or ) is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture. Mixtures labelled naphtha have been produced from natural gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and the distillation of coal tar and peat.

Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation as well as households.

Any of several highly volatile, flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum, coal tar, and natural gas and used as fuel, as solvents, and in making various chemicals. Also called benzine, ligroin, petroleum ether, white gasoline.

A thin oil distilled from petroleum or shale oil, used as a fuel for heating and cooking, in lamps, and as a denaturant for alcohol. Also called coal oil.

(Obsolete) Petroleum.

A thin colorless to straw-colored petroleum-based fuel heavier than gasoline/petrol or naptha but lighter than diesel, used primarily as jet fuel but also for heating and lighting in some remote or impoverished areas.

(dated) Naturally occurring liquid petroleum.

An oil used for illuminating purposes, formerly obtained from the distillation of mineral wax, bituminous shale, etc., and hence called also coal oil. It is now produced in immense quantities, chiefly by the distillation and purification of petroleum. It consists chiefly of several hydrocarbons of the methane series, having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms in each molecule, and having a higher boiling point (175 - 325° C) than gasoline or the petroleum ethers, and a lower boling point than the oils.

Any of a wide variety of aliphatic or aromatic liquid hydrocarbon mixtures distilled from petroleum or coal tar, especially as used in solvents or petrol.

A flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

The complex mixture of volatile, liquid, inflammable hydrocarbons, occurring naturally, and usually called crude petroleum, mineral oil, or rock oil.

One of several volatile inflammable liquids obtained by the distillation of certain carbonaceous materials and resembling the naphtha from petroleum; as, Boghead naphtha, from Boghead coal (obtained at Boghead, Scotland); crude naphtha, or light oil, from coal tar; wood naphtha, from wood, etc.

Any of various volatile flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures; used chiefly as solvents

A feedstock in petrochemical processes to produce chemicals.

Kerosene evaporates slower than naphtha due to its longer carbon chains.

Yes, with proper ventilation and safety precautions, it's safe.

It's not commonly used as fuel due to its high volatility.

In some cases, kerosene can be mixed with diesel for use in engines.

Kerosene is a fossil fuel and has environmental impacts, but is relatively clean-burning.

The petrochemical, plastics, and rubber industries use naphtha.

It's primarily used as a petrochemical feedstock and solvent.

Yes, but it's not as effective as naphtha for this purpose.

No, its high volatility makes it unsuitable for such use.

It's produced through the distillation of crude oil.

Yes, naphtha can be toxic and requires careful handling.

Yes, including 1-K grade for heaters and lamps and other grades for aviation and industrial use.

No, it's a non-renewable petroleum product.

Stored properly, kerosene can last up to five years.

Yes, naphtha typically has a distinct, strong odor.