Kerosene vs Diesel: Difference and Comparison

Vehicles run on different types of fuels. Several kinds of Fuels come from the earth. Man-kind digs several fuels by using pieces of equipment. Kerosene and Diesel are the kinds of liquids available to run vehicles and household products.  

Key Takeaways

  1. Kerosene is a type of fuel that is used for heating and lighting.
  2. Diesel is a fuel used in diesel engines, such as those found in trucks and cars.
  3. Kerosene has a lower flash point and is more volatile than diesel.

Kerosene vs Diesel  

Kerosene is a type of fuel derived from crude oil, commonly used in heating, cooking, and jet engines. Diesel, another petroleum-based fuel, has a higher energy density and is used in diesel engines, found in most trucks, buses, and non-electric trains due to its superior fuel efficiency.

Kerosene vs Diesel

Kerosene, known as paraffin, is a burnable hydrocarbon had extracted from petroleum. Kerosene is one of the kinds of fuel used for burning purposes and aviation. Kerosene liquid was used in kerosene lamps, domestic furnaces, jet engines, grease solvents, and insecticides. Kerosene consists of ten different hydrocarbons, where each molecule contains ten to sixteen carbon atoms. Kerosene is a distillate from petroleum that includes fractions with boiling points between 150 degrees to 300 degrees Celsius.   

Diesel is one of the kinds of fuel that had used for vehicles. Several kinds of vehicle engines are run with the help of diesel fuel. Diesel comes out as fuel without any spark after the compression of the air mixture. Diesel Fuel requires a better compression inflammation characteristic. The Chemical Composition of Diesel requires 75 % of saturated hydrocarbons and 25 % of aromatic hydrocarbons. Paraffins, Cycloparaffins are saturated hydrocarbons and Naphthalene, Alkylbenzenes are aromatic hydrocarbons.  

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison    Kerosene  Diesel  
Meaning    Kerosene is one of the kinds of fuel derived from petroleum.  Diesel is one of the kinds of fuel compressed from an air mixture.  
Consists       Kerosene consists of ten different types of hydrocarbons. Diesel consists of 75 % of saturated hydrocarbons and 25 % of aromatic hydrocarbons. 
Difference       Kerosene contains fewer numbers of hydrocarbons and a low boiling point. Diesel requires a high boiling point and consists of several hydrocarbons.  
Extraction    Kerosene had extracted primarily from petroleum.  Diesel had derived after the extraction of Kerosene fuel immediately.  
Uses    Kerosene liquid had used in kerosene lamps, domestic furnaces and household purposes.  Diesel fuel had used in diesel engines for transportation purpose and military purposes.  

What is Kerosene?  

Kerosene is a kind of fuel. Kerosene fuel is also known as paraffin. Kerosene is extracted from petroleum after it has been dug from the earth. Kerosene had used for several household purposes and aviation. Kerosene lamps, domestic furnaces, jet engines, and solvents from greases and insecticides run on kerosene fuel. Kerosene consists of ten different kinds of hydrocarbons, where these are the few hydrocarbons contained by the fuel. Each molecule in the Kerosene consists of six to ten hydrocarbons. Kerosene is a distillate from petroleum that includes the fractions with boiling points between 150 degrees to 300 degrees Celsius.  

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The chemical formula of the kerosene fuel is C12H26-C15H32. The weight of the kerosene fuel is 800 kg per cubic meter, and the density of the kerosene fuel is 800 kg/m^3. In the customary imperial measurement system, the solidity of the kerosene fuel is 49.9 pounds per cubic foot. The colour of the kerosene fuel is pale yellow and sometimes colourless.

The odour of the kerosene fuel is pleasant. Kerosene works effectively in lightning and for campfires. Kerosene is not poisonous. If individual swallows kerosene leads to lung disease. Kerosene had banned in 2003 for free import because kerosene fuel is an adulterant of diesel fuel.  

Kerosene

What is Diesel?

Diesel is a liquid fuel used in diesel engines. Diesel comes out as fuel without any spark after the compression of the air mixture. Diesel Fuel requires a better compression inflammation characteristic. The Chemical Composition of Diesel requires 75 % of saturated hydrocarbons and 25 % of aromatic hydrocarbons. 

Paraffins, Cycloparaffins are saturated hydrocarbons, and Naphthalene, Alkylbenzenes are aromatic hydrocarbons. At 32 degrees of Fahrenheit, the diesel liquid had extracted. The diesel fuel weighs 7.1 pounds at 16 degrees Fahrenheit and 6.8 grams at 106 degrees Fahrenheit.  

The molecules of the diesel liquid consist of more hydrocarbons compared with kerosene fuel. Diesel fuel has been extracted lately compared to kerosene fuel. Diesel Engines are used for road construction, digging foundations, drilling wells, and military tanks. 

Diesel fuel is less flammable and less unstable compared with other fuels. C12H23 is the chemical formula of Diesel fuel. Diesel engines are high-range in performance and have great energy. The safety measures of diesel engines are high in diesel fuel. Diesel fuel had distilled from crude oil. Diesel fuel is available in white, red, green, and blue in colors.  

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Diesel

Main Differences Between Kerosene and Diesel  

  1. Kerosene had derived from petroleum, whereas Diesel liquid had extracted and distilled from crude oil.  
  2. Kerosene consists of fewer hydrocarbons and boiling points, whereas Diesel fuel consists of a high number of hydrocarbons.  
  3. Kerosene had extracted primarily, and the Diesel liquid had derived after the Kerosene fuel. 
  4. The chemical formula of Kerosene is C12H26-C15H32, whereas the Chemical formula of Diesel is C12H23.  
  5. Kerosene had used for cooking and aviation purposes. On the other hand, Diesel fuel had used for diesel engines.  
Difference Between Kerosene and Diesel
References
  1. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2002/cp/b110787a
  2. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2009/cp/b815400g

Last Updated : 21 July, 2023

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24 thoughts on “Kerosene vs Diesel: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The detailed explanation of the chemical formula and physical properties of kerosene and diesel offers a comprehensive understanding of these fuels.

    Reply
    • Certainly, the article’s coverage of the composition, density, and uses of kerosene and diesel is exceptionally informative.

      Reply
  2. The comparison table is informative, it really helps to highlight the differences between kerosene and diesel based on various parameters.

    Reply
    • The detailed information about the extraction, uses, and molecular composition of kerosene and diesel provides a comprehensive understanding.

      Reply
  3. The chemical and physical differences between kerosene and diesel are well-detailed, making this article a fantastic source of information.

    Reply
  4. It’s interesting to learn how kerosene and diesel are derived from crude oil and their different uses and compositions.

    Reply
    • I agree, it’s intriguing to know that kerosene is used in jet engines and diesel is primarily used in transportation.

      Reply
  5. The article presents a scientific explanation of kerosene and diesel, providing valuable insights into the chemistry and functionalities of these fuels.

    Reply
    • Indeed, the chemical composition and properties of kerosene and diesel are meticulously described, making this article a great resource on the topic.

      Reply
  6. The article’s explanation of kerosene and diesel is well-researched and offers an in-depth understanding of the key differences and similarities.

    Reply
    • The comparative analysis provided a clear understanding of how these fuels are distinct in terms of their properties and applications.

      Reply
    • I completely agree, the article’s coverage of the chemical compositions and common uses of both fuels is truly impressive.

      Reply
  7. The thorough explanation of kerosene as a distillate from petroleum and the chemical formula and properties of the fuel is quite enlightening.

    Reply
    • Agreed, the information about the weight, density, color, and odor of kerosene is indeed intriguing and shows the depth of understanding of these fuels.

      Reply
  8. The article’s clear distinction between the extraction, uses, and key differences of kerosene and diesel provides a thorough understanding of these fuels.

    Reply
    • I couldn’t agree more, the comparison and detailed descriptions of kerosene and diesel fuels are truly enlightening.

      Reply
    • This article has certainly expanded my knowledge about the distinct properties and applications of kerosene and diesel fuels.

      Reply
    • I find it interesting that diesel engines are used for military tanks and other heavy-duty equipment. The article provides valuable insights.

      Reply
  9. The information about the uses of kerosene in lamps, furnaces, and household applications, as well as diesel in transportation and military purposes, is insightful.

    Reply

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