Naphtha refers to a class of liquid hydrocarbon fuels with high volatility and flammability, which is separated in the crude oil distillation tower between light gases (such as LPG) and kerosene. A major portion of gas condensates—the oil extracted from gas wells—also consists of naphtha. This liquid fuel can also be obtained from coal tar.
Naphtha has diverse applications. The chemical and petrochemical industries are its primary buyers, using it as feedstock for producing various petrochemical products, including solvents and diluents, raw materials for different types of plastics, synthetic fibers, and industrial alcohols. For example, a large portion of paint thinners is made from naphtha, and most ethylene-based plastic compounds are produced using naphtha.[1] Additionally, through catalytic processes, naphtha can be converted into high-octane gasoline and other petroleum fuels. Naphtha is a very powerful solvent with diverse applications, so it is also used in producing detergents and refining other hydrocarbons. It is also employed in manufacturing polishes and varnishes, as well as for heating and cooking fuel (similar to LPG and kerosene).
Precisely, naphtha includes hydrocarbons with 5 to 12 carbon atoms, with boiling points ranging from 30 to 200 degrees Celsius. This means that if crude oil is heated from 30 to 200 degrees Celsius and the boiled fraction is separated, naphtha is obtained. Typically, 15 to 30 percent of crude oil boils in this temperature range, so the same amount can be directly converted to naphtha. However, note that this range overlaps with gasoline (70 to 175 degrees) and kerosene (150 to 275 degrees). In the market, naphtha is usually offered in two types: light naphtha (between 30 to 60 degrees with 5- and 6-carbon hydrocarbons) and heavy naphtha (between 90 to 200 degrees with 6- to 12-carbon hydrocarbons).
Naphtha is also a component of shoe polishing waxes and is used as fuel in some lighters. Gas turbine engines can also run on naphtha, and one type of jet fuel is made from naphtha.