PETROLEUM POSSIBILITIES OF ELORIDA 
43 
In the following table is given the name and formula of the common 
gases and oils of the paraffin series. The first four of these under ordi¬ 
nary conditions are gases, while the remainder are oils: 
Name 
Formula 
Methane 
gas 
ch 4 
Ethane 
a 
C 2 H6 
Propane 
a 
c 3 h 8 
Butane 
a 
C 4 H 10 
Pentane 
oil 
C 5 H 12 
Hexane 
a 
C 6 Hi4 
Septane 
a 
C 7 Hi 6 
Octane 
cc 
CgHis 
Nonane 
a 
C 9 H 20 
Decane 
a 
C 10 H 22 
In the olefin series there are in all cases twice as many hydrogen atoms 
as there are carbon atoms. The general formula for this series would 
therefore be CnHbn. As in the formula previously given “n” stands for 
the number of carbon atoms. 
Other petroleum series that have been recognized in nature include 
those expressed by the following formulas : CnH2n-4, CnH 2 n- 6 , CnH 2 n- 8 , 
CnH 2 n-io, CnH 2 n-i 2 . Each of these series may consist of many members. 
PARAFFIN BASE AND ASPHALT BASE 
Certain of the petroleum oils, particularly those of the paraffin series, 
upon evaporation leave a paraffin residue. Other petroleum oils, includ¬ 
ing those of the olefin and napthene series, upon evaporation leave an 
asphaltic residue. Accordingly in commerce, petroleums are commonly 
known under these two main divisions, namely: those having a paraffin 
base and those having an asphalt base. The asphalt in oils is said to be 
due to the inclusion of oxygen or sulphur 1 in the compound. The petro¬ 
leums with a paraffin base are of more value for refining purposes than 
are those having an asphalt base. Hence, the classification of oils as 
of paraffin and asphalt base is of commercial value. 
SPECIFIC GRAVITY 
The specific gravity affords an important aid in judging the quality 
and value of oil for refining purposes, the lighter oils being as a rule 
more valuable than the heavy oils. Since the oils are lighter than water, 
Johnson and Huntley, Principles of Oil Production, p. 1. 
