Question #28640

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Sep 24, 2016

They are both hydrocarbons derived from petroleum, but they are quite different from each other.

Explanation:

Petroleum ether is a petroleum fraction consisting of "C5" and "C6" hydrocarbons.

It boils in the range 35 °C to 60 ℃ and is commonly used as a laboratory solvent.

The name "ether" is used only figuratively because the mixture is almost as volatile as diethyl ether.

Petroleum ether
(From www.sciencecompany.com)

Mineral oil is a colourless and odourless mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons with a boiling point of about 310 °C and carbon numbers ranging from "C15" to "C50" (mostly from "C16" to "C18").

It is commonly used as a lubricant and laxative and as an ingredient in lotions, creams, ointments, and cosmetics.

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