Kerosene is a mixture of

Options

A. aromatic hydrocarbons
B. aliphatic hydrocarbons
C. unsaturated hydrocarbons
D. saturated hydrocarbons.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Kerosene**: Kerosene is a type of fuel derived from crude oil. It is important to know that kerosene is not a single compound but a mixture of various hydrocarbons.

2. **Fractional Distillation**: Kerosene is obtained through a process called fractional distillation of petroleum. This process separates different components of crude oil based on their boiling points. Kerosene is collected at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 275°C.

3. **Composition of Kerosene**: The hydrocarbons present in kerosene primarily consist of:
- **Alkanes and Cycloalkanes**: These make up about 70% of the volume of kerosene. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, while cycloalkanes are cyclic saturated hydrocarbons.
- **Aromatic Hydrocarbons**: Approximately 25% of kerosene is composed of aromatic hydrocarbons. These are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain a benzene ring structure, which is known for its distinct smell.

4. **Characteristics of Aromatic Hydrocarbons**: Aromatic hydrocarbons are characterized by their strong aroma and the presence of delocalized π-electrons in their structure. This contributes to the characteristic smell of kerosene.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the composition of kerosene, it can be concluded that kerosene is a mixture of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, with a significant proportion being aromatic hydrocarbons.

### Final Answer:
Kerosene is a mixture of alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic hydrocarbons, with approximately 70% being alkanes and cycloalkanes, and 25% being aromatic hydrocarbons.

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